#####EOF##### Privacy Policy for Africanmilitaryblog.com | African Military Blog

Privacy Policy for Africanmilitaryblog.com


(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Privacy Policy for AfricanMilitaryBlog

If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at .

At www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com we consider the privacy of our visitors to be extremely important. This privacy policy document describes in detail the types of personal information is collected and recorded by www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com and how we use it.

Log Files
Like many other Web sites, www.Africanmilitaryblog.com makes use of log files. These files merely logs visitors to the site – usually a standard procedure for hosting companies and a part of hosting services’s analytics. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, Internet Service Provider (ISP), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and possibly the number of clicks. This information is used to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

Cookies and Web Beacons
www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com uses cookies to store information about visitors’ preferences, to record user-specific information on which pages the site visitor accesses or visits, and to personalize or customize our web page content based upon visitors’ browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.

DoubleClick DART Cookie

→ Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com.

→ Google’s use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to our site’s visitors based upon their visit to www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com and other sites on the Internet.

→ Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following URL – http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html

Our Advertising Partners
Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners include …….

Google
While each of these advertising partners has their own Privacy Policy for their site, an updated and hyperlinked resource is maintained here: Privacy Policies.

You may consult this listing to find the privacy policy for each of the advertising partners of www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com.

These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology in their respective advertisements and links that appear on www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com and which are sent directly to your browser. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies (such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons) may also be used by our site’s third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns and/or to personalize the advertising content that you see on the site.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.

 Third Party Privacy Policies
You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com’s privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites. You may find a comprehensive listing of these privacy policies and their links here: Privacy Policy Links.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers’ respective websites. What Are Cookies?

Children’s Information
We believe it is important to provide added protection for children online. We encourage parents and guardians to spend time online with their children to observe, participate in and/or monitor and guide their online activity.
www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com does not knowingly collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13. If a parent or guardian believes that www.AfricanMilitaryBlog.com has in its database the personally-identifiable information of a child under the age of 13, please contact us immediately (using the contact in the first paragraph) and we will use our best efforts to promptly remove such information from our records.

Online Privacy Policy Only
This privacy policy applies only to our online activities and is valid for visitors to our website and regarding information shared and/or collected there.
This policy does not apply to any information collected offline or via channels other than this website.

Consent
By using our website, you hereby consent to our privacy policy and agree to its terms.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

#####EOF##### South Korea, Egypt Discuss Arms Industry Cooperation | African Military Blog

South Korea, Egypt Discuss Arms Industry Cooperation

TOPICS:

Posted By: Darek Liam February 26, 2019

Egypt and South Korean official are discussing ways of increasing collaboration on arms industry. The discussion was held during the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), United Arab Emirates (UAE) .

At IDEX, South Korea’s Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and Egypt’s Minister for Military Production Mohamed El-Assa pledged to make active efforts to develop a “mutually beneficial” partnership.

Egypt’s Minister for Military Production Mohamed El-Assa hopes more industrial cooperation through joint investment and production between South Korean and Egyptian defense firms. 

At the IDEX exhibition, South Korea’s Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo encouraged South Korean defense businessmen and met with heads of delegations from major Middle East countries, such as Oman and Egypt, to discuss bilateral arms industry cooperation. 

READ ALSO:  Ghanaian Army soldiers teach U.S. Army troops Jungle Warfare.

About the Author

Darek Liam
Darek Liam is the North African editor for AMB, where he writes about the intersection of Technology and national security. He has been covering defense and national security issues for more than a decade, previously as African Union correspondent.

Be the first to comment on "South Korea, Egypt Discuss Arms Industry Cooperation"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Naval Archives | African Military Blog

Naval

#####EOF##### Advertise With African Military Blog | African Military Blog

Advertise With African Military Blog

Our Contact information

  • Advertise@africanmilitaryblog.com
  • Info@africanmilitaryblog.com

WHO WE ARE

African Military Blog connects companies, brands and startups with the best audience in defense and security pertaining to Africa.
We offer you the opportunity to connect with a monthly audience of over 30,000, highly-engaged professionals, passionate about cutting-edge defense and security technology.

Whether it’s with sponsored content, custom ad units, display, lead acquisition or strategic partnerships, we cater to your advertising objectives with data-driven advertising solutions that reach, engage and convert your target audience. African Military Blog provide effective marketing and advertising solutions to technology marketers and brand owners.

OUR METHODS.

  1. Times Are Changing Rapidly…
  2. Brick-and-mortar to reaching organic audience
  3. Evolution of new media (viral content)
  4. Believing in word-of-mouth experiences
  5. Reliance on unbiased, genuine product reviews
  6. Professional sponsored posts
  7. Press release

WHO ARE OUR READERS?

Military and defense experts and enthusiast alike visit our platform on a daily basis.

African Military Blog by the numbers:

    • 30,000 PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH
    • 1 million EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS
    • 82% INFLUENCE TECH PURCHASING DECISIONS
    • 100k total TWITTER FOLLOWERS
    • 80k Total FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS
    • 5 minutes AVERAGE TIME ON SITE
    • Men, 17-64 HIGHEST DEMOGRAPHIC
  • Africa – Highest source of traffic

WHO ARE OUR PARTNERS?

demfas aerosystem uav

 

Contact Us today

Be the first to comment on "Advertise With African Military Blog"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Here are some of South African Made weapons | African Military Blog

Here are some of South African Made weapons

TOPICS:
South African made armoured vehicles .jpg
A list of South African made armoured vehicles .jpg

Posted By: E Lionel November 28, 2017

South African made weapons

Here is a comprehensive guide on South African made weapons and military hardwares.

South African Flag
During the apartheid era some years back, when South Africa was under a United Nation (UN) sanctions, the then government led by President Frederik Willem de Klerk was forced to adopt measures to keep his military relevant in the modern world. Under a severe arms embargo placed on the South Africa, the nation had to looke inwards. It then set-up a modest military Research and Development (R&D) corporation Armscorp which morphed into the present day Denel Systems. A major defence equipment developing corporation.
South Africans are behind many global innovations, including the world’s first heart transplant, the Kreepy Krauley, Pratley Putty, and Dolosse.
The country has also produced many internationally-renowned technology entrepreneurs, like Elon Musk, Mark Shuttleworth, and Roelof Botha.
This continued innovation in South Africa was shown in the 2015 Innovation Prize for Africa award nominations. That year, the African Innovation Foundation received 925 applications from 41 countries for its IPA awards. Four of the ten IPA 2015 finalists were South African.
 Over the years the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) equipment inventory has been given a needed boost. The public-private partnership policy that the government is following has bolstered the SANDF combat-readiness and is since yeilding results.

Although Denel appears to be homegrown but it has a checkered history of bribery, back-channel acquisition and theft of technology.
Denel has acquired A-Lister position in the prestigious clique of advance combat systems producing countries rivaling great nations  such as U.S.A, Germany, Russia, France, U.K, Isreal just to mention a few.

Developed out of the white apartheid regime desire to keep the South African Blacks under military repression, the South African arms industry is considered one of the most advanced in the non-Western world today, on par with fellow IBSA partners, India and Brazil.

The wide-ranging locally-made South African weapons and  combat systems includes: transport and attack helicopter, armored personnel carriers, military trucks, internal security vehicles, assault rifles and hand guns.

READ ALSO:

  1. South African made Rooivalk attack helicopter.
  2. Reasons why African countries don’t buy South African made weapons.
  3. [Analysis] South African Air Force Gripen versus Angolan Air Force Sukhoi Su-30K flanker who wins?

Although weapons production has slowed considerably since the official end of apartheid, Pieter Wezeman, Senior researcher, Arms Transfers Program at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, had this to say


The South African arms industry has advanced in a few niche areas such as certain light armored vehicles and anti-tank missiles. The country’s combat systems and other military equipment are in high demand in many countries throughout the world, from the United States to China, and from Sweden to Zambia.

 List of South African made Guns

Vektor R4 assault rifle of the South African forces with 50-round magazine – 5.56x45mm NATO

  • Denel Y3 AGL
  • Denel PAW-20 Neopup
  • Denel NTW-20
  • Vektor CR-21
  • Vektor SPS (Series)
  • Vektor Z-88
  • Vektor SS-77
  • Rifle R4


 List of South African made guns (Assault rifles)

 

  • R1
  • R2
  • R3
  • R4
  • R5
  • R6
  • LM4
  • LM5
  • LM6
  • H5


List of South African made Pistols/revolvers

 

  • Z88
  • SP1
  • SP1 General’s
  • SP1 Sporting
  • SP2
  • Mamba [Varan PMX-80]
  • Aserma ADP
  • TZ-99 [CX 635 ASP]
  • Hawk
  • Republic
  • Lynx
READ ALSO:  The Three Deadliest Drone Powers in Africa.

 

List of South African made Support weapons

  • NTW-20
  • L4A1 BREN
  • MG-4/L3
  • MGL/Y2
  • Vickers L1
  • SS-77
  • Milkor stopper

 

List of South African made Submachine guns

  • BXP
  • Kommando LDP
  • Sanna 77
  • BX-9

List of South African made Shotguns

  • MAG-7
  • Neostead
  • Striker
  • Striker (civilian)
  • Protecta
  • Protecta Bulldog
  • Musler

Denel’s NTW-20 anti-materiel rifle

Denel’s NTW-20
The NTW-20 is an anti-material rifle, used to engage high-value targets such as radar stations, petrol tankers, static helicopters and planes, and command and control stations.
It serves as an accurate long-range portable rifle which can be carried by a sniper, and can also be mounted on light vehicles.
While it is not seen as a traditional sniper rifle, a version of this gun (Denel NTW-14.5) is credited with a 2,125m kill by a South African Special Forces sniper.

 

Many of South Africa’s best innovations happened in the military. The country’s achievements include building one of the world’s best attack helicopters and becoming a nuclear state.

Ivor Ichikowitz, founder and executive chairman of Paramount Group, said South Africa is producing top-class military equipment and technologies.
He further said the country can hold its own against the best the world has to offer, and that it is an industry which shows what South Africa can do.
Here are some of the powerful military weapons and combat systems and equipment which were developed or built in South Africa.

Rooivalk attack helicopter

South African made Rooivalk
South African made Rooivalk
The Rooivalk sports two staggered cockpits and two turbine engines, and the main and rotor blades can withstand hits from small arms fire.
The Rooivalk’s attack helicopter platform can deliver a variety of hard-hitting projectiles against targets several kilometers away.

South African made armoured vehicles

South African made armoured vehicles .jpg

A list of South African made armoured vehicles (Credit: Tank-encyclopedia)

Olifant Main Battle Tank 

 

The Olifant is the South African Army official tank.

The Olifant mk1B main battle tank was developed and produced by the Olifant Manufacturing Company, OMC Engineering pty Ltd, based in South Africa. Development of the Olifant started in 1976 and first entered service with the South African Armoured Corps in the late 1970s.
OMC Engineering later became Reumech OMC, then Vickers OMC and, in September 2002 was renamed Alvis OMC, following the acquisition of Vickers Defence by Alvis plc. In September 2004, Alvis OMC became part of BAE Systems Land Systems.

RATEL IFV

RATEL IFV
The Ratel IFV was built to counter Soviet armor during the South African border war. It destroyed T-54/55 tanks used by Cuba forces.

Mbombe Infantry Fighting VehiVeh  (IFV) 

Mbombe IFV
The Mbombe is an agile infantry fighting vehicle offering protection, mobility, and fire-power. It is designed to provide protection against landmines, IEDs, side blasts, and RPG attacks.
This is achieved, in part, by new technology that provides mine protection without resorting to the traditional V-shape design.
The mine protected flat bottom hull reduces Mbombe’s silhouette to under 2.4 meters, which delivers benefits in combat and against IED attacks. The vehicle comes as standard with a high level of protection against kinetic energy and blast attacks.

G5 towed howitzer

G5 towed howitzer
The G5 towed howitzer is built by Denel and is a proven, reliable, and accurate 155mm long-range gun with an auxiliary power unit.
Denel said continuous feedback to design engineers from military operations and intensive testing under all possible conditions has resulted in a gun that is “not only immensely practical but also extremely reliable and user-friendly”.

G6 Rhino self-propelled gun-howitzer

G6 self-propelled gun-howitzer
The G6 is a 155mm self-propelled gun-howitzer developed by Denel. The G6 is a battle proven, highly mobile, fully protected, wheeled, self-propelled gun with a firing range of more than 50km.
Denel states that while the G6 continues to outgun competitive artillery systems, it has developed the new G6-52 which has advances in all the capabilities critical to effective artillery.

South African made aircraft

Seeker 400 UAV

The Seeker 400 UAS is a self-contained system which has a large payload carrying capability, high-definition video imagery, real-time data acquisition, transmission to remote receivers, and autonomous take-off and landing capabilities.
The Seeker 400 operates at direct line-of-sight ranges of up to 250 km from the base station and provides real-time day and night reconnaissance, target location and designation, and artillery fire support.

AHRLAC

AHRLAC
The Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC) is a South African-designed and developed aircraft, destined for a role in a wide range of civilian and military tasks.
Theres even a special review of the AHRLAC right here on this blog.
Developed by Paramount Group, the AHRLAC hopes to challenge Western manufacturers with its multi-role applications, low cost, reduced requirement for maintenance support, and extensive operational capabilities.

Davit system by the CSIR

Davit system by the CSIR
To counter piracy, the CSIR has developed a Davit system that deploys small boats from navy vessels in motion which enables the South African Navy to act quickly against pirates.
The Davit System is removable and can be loaded onto any ship’s deck with a suitable container footprint. It has a wave-compensating hydraulic system mounted on a load vector compensating base, which ensures that forces are evenly distributed into the deck.
The system also carries stored energy which means the reaction vessels can be deployed even if the ship cannot provide the required power.

Other decommissioned South African made weapons

During the seventies and eighties South Africa built many world-class military military systems, including the Cheetah fighter and nuclear devices.

Cheetah fighter jet

Cheetah fighter jet
The Atlas Cheetah is a South African developed and manufactured fighter jet, which was essentially an upgrade of the Dassault Mirage III.
Three different Cheetah fighter jets were created – 16 dual-seat Cheetah D, 16 single-seat Cheetah E, and 38 single-seat Cheetah C.
The Cheetah Es were retired in 1992, and the Cheetah Cs and Cheetah Ds in April 2008 – replaced by the Saab Gripen.

Nuclear Weapon 

During the seventies South Africa was one of only a few nations which developed and built nuclear devices.
According to an article by Marcus Duvenhage, South Africa had six nuclear devices and was busy constructing a seventh before it abandoned its nuclear program.
While South Africa denied being a nuclear state during the apartheid years, former president FW de Klerk confirmed in March 1993 that South Africa had “embarked on the development of a limited nuclear deterrent”.

South African made Missiles

Umkhonto Surface to Air Missile

The Umkhonto (Zulu: spear) is a South African family of modern short to medium range, all-weather capable vertical launch (VLS) surface-to-air missiles (SAM) manufactured by South Africa’s Denel Dynamics (formerly known as Kentron).
The missile and associated subsystems are supplied as a missile group for easy integration into naval combat suites or ground-based air defence systems.

MOKOPA Air-to-Ground Missile

Mokopa
The Mokopa is a South African air-to-ground missile, designed primarily for use as an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM). It is currently in its final stages of development, and is being integrated onto the South African Air Force’s Rooivalk attack helicopters.
The missile is produced by Denel Dynamics, formerly Kentron. The current version utilises Semi-Active Laser (SAL) guidance, requiring the target to be illuminated by a laser designator either on the launch platform or elsewhere; though there are alternative guidance packages available including a millimetre-wave radar (MMW) seeker and a two-colour imaging infrared (IIR) seeker.

A-DARTER Air to Air MISSILE

A-DARTER MISSILE
The V3E A-Darter (Agile Darter) is a modern short-range infrared homing (“heat seeking”) air-to-air missile, featuring countermeasures resistance with a 180-degree look angle and 120-degrees per second track rate, under development by South Africa’s Denel Dynamics (formerly Kentron) and Brazil’s Mectron, Avibras and Opto Eletrônica. It will equip South African Air Force’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D and BAe Hawk 120; Brazilian Air Force’s A-1M AMX, Northrop F-5BR and Gripen E/F. It is expected to be in production before the end of 2015

INGWE Anti-tank MISSILE

The ZT3 and its launch system was developed under the codename “Project Raleigh” in the 1980s as a “long-range indigenous antitank guided missile”.
The missile was developed in order to provide the South African Army’s Mechanized infantry vehicles, such as the Ratel IFV, with anti-tank capabilities and to supplement the ageing MILAN missile system that was in service at the time.
Pre-production models, mounted in a triple launcher on top of a Ratel IFV, saw service in Operation Moduler during the South African Border War with good effect

 

INGWE MISSILE

South African made robot

 

READ ALSO:  Schiebel Camcopter S-100 conducts successful flight trials in Nigeria

Parabot

Parabot was unveiled at the African Aerospace and Defence Expo on September 16, 2014 at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, South Africa. The giant was designed by Paramount Group to raise awareness about rhino poachers.

According to the makers (Paramount group) Parabot stands as a symbol representing the resistance and resilience of the African people to fight back against the killing of our wildlife and heritage. It also stand as a message to the poachers that Africa would never give up on the fight.

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

6 Comments on "Here are some of South African Made weapons"

  2. Gert Joubert | August 29, 2018 at 6:11 pm | Reply

    Denel Aviation is the design authority of the Cheetah single-seat fighter that was locally developed with Israeli assistance from 1983

  4. Gert Joubert | August 29, 2018 at 6:14 pm | Reply

    The South African Cheetah fighter jet is based on the Israeli Kfir aircraft. The Cheetah was developed during the 1980s by the South African Denel Aviation company. At the time, South Africa claimed formally that it was an improved version of the French Mirage 3. However, experts asserted that it was the local version of the Kfir developed and manufactured by the Israel Aerospace Industries. The Kfir, too, was based on the French Mirage 3.

  8. Dewald | September 20, 2018 at 6:41 pm | Reply

    If you are going to use Tank Encyclopedia’s illustrations atleast sight them as the source.

    • africanmilitaryblog | September 25, 2018 at 5:28 pm | Reply

      Any material retrieved from Tank Encyclopaedia will be credited immediately.

      Thanks for the observation.

      Admin
      African Military Blog

  10. zaid | December 26, 2018 at 5:03 pm | Reply

    hello sir happy new year and Merry Christmas

    I am looking for spare parts cheetah military vehicle I can send the requested if available

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Ghanaian Army displays Streit Group Spartan 4X4 MRAPs | African Military Blog

Ghanaian Army displays Streit Group Spartan 4X4 MRAPs

TOPICS:

Posted By: E Lionel February 9, 2019

Following the just recently concluded Army Day parade, the Ghanaian Army displayed its fleet of Streit Group Spartan 4×4 Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

The Spartan is a 4×4 multi-purpose armoured personnel carrier in the category of MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) designed and manufactured by the Company Streit Group.

It is currently operated by it six light infantry battalions of the Ghana Regiment as well as the Reconnaissance Armoured Regiment.

The Spartan 4×4 can operate comfortably in urban, mountainous and challenging rural terrains and has excellent field maintenance. With the capacity to carry up to 12 personnel plus equipment, the Spartan 4×4 can be configured for a wide range of missions, including Command and Control, EOD, Patrol, Convoy Support, Forward Observation, Reconnaissance and MedEvac.

READ ALSO:  Ghanaian Army soldiers teach U.S. Army troops Jungle Warfare.

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

Be the first to comment on "Ghanaian Army displays Streit Group Spartan 4X4 MRAPs"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Exclusive Archives | African Military Blog

Exclusive

#####EOF##### Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 | African Military Blog

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019

TOPICS:
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa

Posted By: African Military Blog January 31, 2019

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 can be said to be the most accomplished military unit with exceptional combat record, training, and equipment. The Special Force branch of a country is usually the tip of the spear, trained to conduct the most difficult and challenging aspect of military operations.

A country’s Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are ususally called upon to achieve a military objective in scenerious where conventional military units cannot realistically handle. employment of Special Forces even in tactical levels can affect the overall strategic outcome of a war.

The Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa are usually highly-trained, well-equipped, organized, reticent. In order to maintain their optimum combat performance, SF/SOFs are specially designated and they employ unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment. This years Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa would look at the very best Africa has to offer.

Historical Context of Special Forces in Africa

Special Forces, as they would come to be recognized, emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War.

In 1940, the British Commandos were formed following Winston Churchill’s call for “specially trained troops of the hunter class, who can develop a reign of terror down the enemy coast.” A staff officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clarke, had already submitted such a proposal to General Sir John Dill, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Dill, aware of Churchill’s intentions, approved Clarke’s proposal and on 23 June 1940, the first Commando raid took place.

Role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces

The role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces is predominantly dependent on the country, Special Forces and Special Operations Forces may perform a wide variety of duties and functions which consists of (but not limited to);

  • Unconventional/Asymmetrical warfare.
  • Airborne operations
  • Counter-insurgency and Counter-terrorism (COIN/CT)
  • Foreign and Internal defense
  • Covert operations
  • Direct action (alongside regular troops)
  • Hostage rescue
  • High-value targets kill/capture (HVTK/C)
  • Manhunt
  • Intelligence operations
  • Mobility operations
  • Sabotage and demolition

Special Forces in Africa

The Top 10 Best Special Force in Africa 2019 are:

1. Egyptian Army Unit 777

Role: Hostage Rescue, Assassination, Sabotage

Egyptian Army Unit 777

The Egyptian Army Unit 777 is also referred to as Task Force 777. The Unit 777 is primarily tasked to conduct Special operations and Counter Terrorism operations within Egypt and around its sphere of interest.

Unit 777 was established in 1978 following a disastrous Egyptian commando raid in Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus in response to the hijacking of a Cyprus Air passenger aircraft by terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). During the raid, Cyprus security forces mistaken the Egyptian Commandos for terrorists as they approached the tarmac and opened fire on them killing 15 members out of the 79 member commando team.

Subsequently, Unit 777 was later called into action after three armed terrorists from the Abd Al-Nasir Movement hijacked the EgyptAir Flight 321 heading to Luxor. After a brief negotiation with the terrorists, two Unit 777 operatives disguised as maintenance workers went inside the aircraft and neutralized the terrorists with no loss to the passengers. With such capabilities, the Unit 777 is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa .

Unit 777 is a division of the Sa’ka forces, an elite Egyptian military commando force. Unit 777 is currently engaged in anti-terror operations in the Sinai region. Its previous engagements includes:

  • Operation Badr (1973)
  • Shdwan Battle
  • Battle of Ismailia
  • EgyptAir Flight 321
  • Operation Sinai
  • Operation Martyr’s Right

2. South African Special Forces Brigade

Role: Direct action, Manhunt, Reconnaissance

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training
South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training

South African Special Forces Brigade also known as the Recce, it specializing in long-range combat reconnaissance as well as unconventional airborne operations.

The South African Special Forces Brigade was formed from the then Hunter Group mainly for counter-insurgency operation within the South African Army. In 1970, the success of the South African Special Forces Brigade brought about five other reconnaissance units, later referred to as the “Recces”.

The South African Special Forces Brigade has undergone several broad restructuring. Presently, the South African Special Forces Brigade has the unique distiction of not being part of the South African Army or the South African Navy as is the practice in similar special forces structure worldwide, it is directly under the command of the Joint Operations Division.

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operator

The South African Special Forces selection process sometimes called ‘The Ultimate Challenge‘ is regarded as one of the most difficult special forces selection courses in the world

As matter of pride and bravery, the Recce always the first unit into any combat and the last one’s out of the conflict zone. As their motto rightly explains: WE FEAR NAUGHT BUT GOD

During the Border/Bush War, F Zeelie was the first person killed, while H. Carstens was also the last person killed in the Border/Bush War. Both operators were from the of the 1st Recce.

The Recce undertook several daring missions during the Bush War with Angola, some more prominent missions includes Operation Mebos, Operation Askari and the controversial Operation Argon. In Operation Askari, a few South African Special Forces soldiers entered Angola in order to disrupt the logistical support and command & control capabilities of PLAN. Operation Askari prevented a planned large-scale invasion of the SouthWestern Africa by the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).

More recently, An operator of the South African Special Forces made the 7th longest recorded sniper kill in history with a confirmed distance of 2,125 m (2,324 yd) using a South African-made 14.5 mm Denel NTW-20 anti-materiel rifle during operations as part of the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade. Which is why the SANDF Special Force Brigade is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

SANDF Special Forces Organigram
SANDF Special Forces Organogram

The South African Special Forces Brigade (Recce) has taken part in various engagements which are;

  • South African Border War
  • Rhodesian Bush War
  • Angolan Civil War
  • Mozambican Civil War
  • Séléka rebellion
  • M23 rebellion
READ ALSO:  The Top 10 best Air Force in Africa in 2019

3. Algerian Army Special Intervention Group

Role: Hostage rescue, Direct action, Counter Terrorism

Algerian Special Intervention Group
Algerian Special Intervention Group operator

The Algerian Special Intervention Group also known as the Groupe d’Intervention Spécial (GIS) in French has long been one of Africa’s most-feared special forces. Better known in Algeria as the ‘Ninjas.’ Mainly skilled in Counter-terrorism and Hostage Rescue.

They have a reputation for cold-blooded ruthlessness, often times killing both the terrorists and hostages in order to deter would-be terrorists from using hostages as a bargaining chip.

Since 1987, The Special Intervention Group (GIS) forces have been the bulwark between Algeria and rampaging violent Islamic militants. For many years, Algeria has been in a brutal tug-of-war with domestic Islamist extremists coupled with the ever troublesome border areas with neighbors including Libya and Mali, and also the fact that Algeria is actively supporting the Western Saharan independence movement the Polisario Front.

A controversial incident occurred on 16 January 2013 in a gas facility near In Amenas, Algeria. An Algerian gas field operated jointly by Sonatrach, an Algerian state-owned company, British firm BP and the Norwegian firm Statoil. The gas field supplies 10% of Algeria’s natural gas production, a vital asset to Algerian survival.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

al-Qaeda-linked terrorists affiliated with a brigade led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar attacked the oil installation, demanding an end to French military operations against Islamists in northern Mali, in return for the safety of the hostages. According to U.S. officials, in the over 800 hostages, 132 were foreign nationals including British, French, Japanese etc.

The terrorists tied explosive cords around some of the captives, after four days of gruesome waiting, in a daring attempt the Algerian Special Intervention Group -GIS raided the oil facility using helicopter gunships and heavy weapons, in an effort to free the hostages. As a result, 39 foreign hostages from nine different countries lost their lives however, a total of 685 Algerian workers and 107 foreigners were freed while 39 terrorist were killed. Three surviving terrorists were also apprehended, making the Algerian Special Intervention Group on of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

During the siege, the Algerian communications minister, Mohamed Said Belaid, said that “The objective is clear: to destabilize Algeria.” and that the terrorists wanted “to destroy the national economy” and the state, he further announced that “there would be no negotiations or blackmail” and Algeria would be “relentless in the fight against terrorists“.

The rescue operation brought a bittersweet response from the international community. Several Western countries complained about Algeria’s failure to minimize casualties while some praised the decision by Algerian special forces to storm the site on time. According to Anouar Boukhars of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, that “Algerians are jealous of their sovereignty”, which fits with their general pattern of acting independently, and a policy of no negotiation with terrorists.

In retrospect, soldiers from the GIS are taught the fierce art of the Japanese Ju-Jitsu and the ancient Korean Kuk Sool Won art, but in a purely practical military aspect. The Algerian ancient training regime have been copied by various special operations forces globally. As a testament to their fighting art, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) recommended that the Algerian Special Intervention Group be used as a template by several European and African countries.

4. Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Role: Tactical operations, Hostage rescue, VIP protection

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS) operator

Definitely one of the most highly trained and well equipped Special Forces in the world. The Tunisian Army Special Forces Group is widely know for its use of the most sophisticated infantry weapons available globally. Their main mission is the protection of the Tunisian national territory and to deter any attempt of foreign aggression.

As a testament to their training, the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group have not failed in any assigned task and has contributed immensely in foiling terrorist attacks. They are also trained to handle heavy weapons, this unit as the whole army suffered from marginalization on the part of the old regime.

This mask wearing Tunisian Army Special Forces Group or Groupe des Forces Spéciales (GFS) in Spanish has been on the frontiers defending Tunisia from being overrun by terrorists. They are trained to defend the homeland and to intervene in a cold-blooded manner to protect human lives.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Since the 2011 Arab-spring, Tunisia has been confronted by an ever-increasing terrorism and militant insurgency which has been responsible for the deaths of dozens of soldiers, police, civilians and foreign tourists.

Furthermore, Tunisia has been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked and killed 12 Presidential Intervention Group (a sister Special Operations Forces unit) in Tunis.

In March 2016, Islamic State, which has been taking advantage of the raging Libyan Civil War in the neighboring country to recruit soldiers and increase its strength, began a series of tactical offensive into the Tunisian town of Ben Guerdane.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

During the attack, about 50 Islamic State militants launched a dawn attack on army and police posts, The Tunisian Defense Minister quickly deployed the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group which immediately counter-attacked and killed 36 of the attackers.

READ ALSO:  THE TOP 10 BEST AND MOST POWERFUL WARSHIPS IN AFRICA

After the successful operations, the Tunisian governments began considering air strikes and special forces operations against the group in neighboring Libya, confirming their the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

5. Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS)

Role: Maritime security, Direct action, Hostage rescue


A Tavor wielding Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) soldier wearing a MARPAT (short for Marine pattern) digital camouflage pattern and skull balaclava

The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service is one of the best special forces units in Africa. This elite antiterrorism unit was created by the Nigerian Government in 2006. Highly qualified for the full-spectrum of all special Operations in any terrain or weather. They are considered the very best in this region.

The NNSBS was modeled after the celebrated British crack unit, the SBS. This little-known unit has been on the forefront of the fight against maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service has also been deployed in several internal security duties especially against the notorious Boko Haram sect and Niger Delta militants.

  • Nigerian special forces conduct a mock casualty evacuation (REUTERS/Emmanuel Braun)

In 2011, during a training in Senegal together with Army Amphibious Forces, US Marines and Senegalese Marines, the NNSBS were praised for their dexterity in small boat operations and littoral warfare which the Americans attributed to years of fighting militants in the Niger Delta creeks.

As a sign of their combat prowess, in August 2016 a distressed call was made to the Naval Regional Maritime Awareness Centre (RMAC) through the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), about a pirate hijack on a British-flagged vessel, ‘MT VECTIS OSPREY.’ Following the swift deployment of a naval patrol ship NNS NWAMBA to the scene, NNSBS operatives quickly engaged the pirates who were about boarding the vessel. Resulting in the rescue of all the crew members without any casualty, making the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

In 2017, during the ECOWAS military intervention in the Gambia, the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service were amongst the first units to enter the country, providing VIP protection for the Gambian Presidency.

The duties of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service includes Naval intelligence, Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency (CTCOIN), enforcing maritime security, anti-piracy, littoral operation and facilities/VIP protection.

The SBS operatives were actively involved in Operation PULO-SHIELD in Niger Delta, Operation SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State, Operation RESTORE ORDER in Kano State, Operation IRON FENCE 2 in Kogi State and Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA in the North East. The SBS elements are currently involved in Operation LAFIA DOLE in the North East and SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State. 

6. Tunisian National Guard Special Unit

Role: Hostage rescue, Counter-Terrorism, Direct action

Tunisian National Guard Special Force trooper

The Tunisian National Guard Special Unit, commonly abbreviated USGN or Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale in French is one of the most elite special forces unit and also one of the finest and most formidable special warfare combat unit in the North African and Middle-Eastern region.

Directly under the control of the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior, the USGN is officially based in Bir Bouregba. This unit recruits its members of the National Guard directly and train them independently.

The USGN specializes in special operations such as counter-terrorism, Hostage rescue, as well as reconnaissance and raid behind enemy lines. Their main mission is to intervention within Tunisian territory, especially in non-urban areas (mountains, forests, beaches, deserts). The USGN is structured on the model of American Navy Seals with which it has a sustained collaboration.

The unit serves as the Tunisian governments premier counter-terrorism unit, providing a tactical resolution in hostage and high-risk law enforcement situations. This rather small albeit highly specialized special operations force was established in the early 1980s, and is based in Hammamet.

In January 2018, Tunisian National Guard Special Unit killed a senior member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI) who was wanted by Algeria since 1993.

In more recent time, the USGN has been involved in several training missions outside the country, in cooperation with the United States Delta Force and other special forces from European countries.

In 1985, the USGN was invited to Austria by the Einsatzkommando-Cobra (EKO Cobra) to participate in international special force exercise, attended by several international elite forces like the EKO COBRA GSG-9, French GIGN and United States Delta force. The USGN came fourth all exercises and also ranked number one special force in Arab and Africa, as well as sixth in the world after the United States, Russia, Britain, France. This reinstates their position as one of Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

7. Nigerian Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF)

Role: Counter-Terrorism, Direct action, VIP protection

With a gung-ho attitude towards adversity, the Armed forces Special Forces (AFSF) are one of the most elite personnel in the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, they consist of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force Regiment and the Department of State security personnel (DSS).


Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces Sniper Unit stand in their ghillie suits at the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) military demonstration held at General Ao Azazi barracks in Gwagwalada on April 17, 2018.

Trained in Nigerian Special Forces Training Institutions and also underwent CT/COIN training in Belarus, an Eastern European.

In 2017, 26 officers and 440 soldiers of the unit also underwent training in Pakistan, under the Special Services Group (SSG), the Pakistani Army’s SSG, famous in the international military community for their successful CT/COIN operations in Afghanistan and the northwest regions of Pakistan.

Over there, the AFSF troops trained at Tarbella, home of the SSG’s elite counter-terrorist unit, the Zararr Battalion. Since their commissioning, They are deployed to almost all troubled area in Northern Nigeria. Their duties are mainly Direct action alongside regular troops, HVT’s hunt and capture, Quick Response in tactical situation (QRF) and VIP protection.

READ ALSO:  TOP 10 MOST BEST AND POWERFUL MAIN BATTLE TANKS IN AFRICA.

The AFSF are kitted with the most advanced and exotic weaponry and gadget unlike regular infantry soldiers. They have consistently been on the war-front since 2016, battling the Boko Haram insurgent group as well as the various armed groups and bandits in the Sahara. The AFSF is clearly on the position of being the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

On account of their known doggedness and insistence on pursuing, even hunting the insurgents, Boko Haram commanders often issue warnings to their fighters to avoid engaging with the AFSF. Confirming their position as Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The AFSF, now with a reputation for being a scourge of Boko Haram, participated in the recapture of Bama, Baga, Damboa, Marte, Kangarwa and more. The AFSF commandos are “always leading the way”. In one operation, their vehicle was hit and disabled by a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but the AFSF Commandos simply jumped onto new vehicles and completed their mission.

8. Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR)

Role: Counter-Insurgency, Close Target Reconnaissance, Asymmetric Warfare

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR), is made up of the Rangers Strike Force identified as 40 RSF and Special Forces (SF) known as 30S. Both the Ranger Strike Force (RSF) and the Special Force (SF) were relatively unknown until their deployment to Somalia for Operation Linda Nchi was launched.

The Rangers Strike Force takes 63 days to train while the training for Special Forces lasts for six months. One of the major differences between the two is that Rangers are trained by Americans and the Special Forces by the British.

During a recent joint training with Jordan’s Quick Reaction Force, the Jordanians were surprised by the Kenyans’ superior skills.

The Kenyan Special Force (SF) has mostly been involved in reconnaissance and infiltration missions behind enemy lines while Rangers are being used as fighters strike force.


  • Military personnel mobilize on September 21, 2013 outside an upmarket shopping mall in Nairobi, where suspected terrorists engaged Kenyan security forces in a drawn out gun fight. AFP PHOTO / Tony KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images

In the battle for Kismayu, code-named Operation Sledge Hammer, a team of Kenyan special forces, spearheaded the vanguard unit of an amphibious assault operation, quickly secured the landing zone and captured the port city with no casualty.

Their performance at the war front was so brilliant that President Mwai Kibaki, during the recent Jamhuri Day celebrations, and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, rewarded a number of the outstanding fighters with the Silver Star, one of Kenya’s highest awards. Making the Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment has been used very aggressively over the past five years. They have been actively engaged in Somalia the past several years. The SOR operators are highly trained, experts in special operations, and well-equipped. The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR) are without a doubt, one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

9. Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGR)

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group or the Groupe d’Intérvention de La Gendarmerie Royale (GIGR) in Spanish is an elite Special Force regiment within the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie, specially trained for special operations within Morocco.

This special force group is composed of several combat units including a Commando Group of the Guard, an airborne assault battalion, a mountain infantry battalion and a Rapid Intervention group (GIR) amongst others.

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is a highly secretive group, in charge of maintaining public order. They are viewed as the main pillar in the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. The GIGR is undoubtedly one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

They spearhead most major military operations in Morocco and the environs, confirming its status as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

During the 2017 Operation Flintlock held in Tifnit, Morocco, the US Military Information Support Operations (MISO) instructors were duly impressed with the quality of the Moroccan operators they have been tasked with training, commenting on their adaptability. The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is still one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

10. Tunisian Anti-Terrorism Brigade (BAT)

Role: SWAT, Hostage rescue, VIP Protection

Commonly called the ‘Black Tigers’ in Tunisia, this elite Special Operations unit is one of the best-trained and most formidable units a North Africa can boast of. Basically a Tunisian National SWAT, and one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The BAT is the elite of the Tunisian National Police, under the Ministry of the Interior. It is based in the capital, more precisely in Bouchoucha. This unit recruits its members directly from the national police. Intervening in the field only in extreme cases, their main mission is the intervention in Built-up areas and against hostage taking in tactical situations such as in airports.


  • Police officers stand outside the parliament in Tunis March 18, 2015. REUTERS/ Zoubeir Souissi

Other notable Forces on the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

This are other elite special forces in the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

  • Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Group (NAF QRF)
  • Kenyan Police General Service Unit (GSU)
  • Somalian Army Special Forces (Alpha Group)
  • Cameroonian Army Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR)
  • South African Police STP
  • Kenyan Navy Special Boat Unit (KSBU)
  • Ivory Coast Special Forces

About the Author

African Military Blog
The African defense information ecosystem is broken, African Military Blog intends to enact a paradigm shift through providing critical access to industry dataset, magazines, daily news, acquisitions and expert insights.

6 Comments on "Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019"

  2. Danooz | February 10, 2019 at 9:40 am | Reply

    Most of the photos posted under Kenya Army SOR are police special intervention units ie GSU Recce, AP BPU SF, and DCI QRT… Few pictures there belong to 30th and 40th groups

    • African Military Blog | February 11, 2019 at 11:30 pm | Reply

      Yes you’re quite correct. We are aware of the difference in both GSU Recce and the KA SOR However, the Kenyan Army SOR are apathetically camera shy as a result we couldn’t pull out a quality picture of them.

      Nonetheless, the uniform of the GSU Recce and the 40 RSF and 30S Special Forces are very similar and would take a practiced eye to spot them apart.

      Regards

  4. Motaz | February 24, 2019 at 6:47 pm | Reply

    hello regarding Tunisian Army Special forces thous pictures belong to the USGN i can provide with some pictures to the army unit
    and the 2nd picture in the BAT belong to the Presidential Guard

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 | African Military Blog

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019

TOPICS:
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa

Posted By: African Military Blog January 31, 2019

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 can be said to be the most accomplished military unit with exceptional combat record, training, and equipment. The Special Force branch of a country is usually the tip of the spear, trained to conduct the most difficult and challenging aspect of military operations.

A country’s Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are ususally called upon to achieve a military objective in scenerious where conventional military units cannot realistically handle. employment of Special Forces even in tactical levels can affect the overall strategic outcome of a war.

The Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa are usually highly-trained, well-equipped, organized, reticent. In order to maintain their optimum combat performance, SF/SOFs are specially designated and they employ unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment. This years Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa would look at the very best Africa has to offer.

Historical Context of Special Forces in Africa

Special Forces, as they would come to be recognized, emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War.

In 1940, the British Commandos were formed following Winston Churchill’s call for “specially trained troops of the hunter class, who can develop a reign of terror down the enemy coast.” A staff officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clarke, had already submitted such a proposal to General Sir John Dill, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Dill, aware of Churchill’s intentions, approved Clarke’s proposal and on 23 June 1940, the first Commando raid took place.

Role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces

The role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces is predominantly dependent on the country, Special Forces and Special Operations Forces may perform a wide variety of duties and functions which consists of (but not limited to);

  • Unconventional/Asymmetrical warfare.
  • Airborne operations
  • Counter-insurgency and Counter-terrorism (COIN/CT)
  • Foreign and Internal defense
  • Covert operations
  • Direct action (alongside regular troops)
  • Hostage rescue
  • High-value targets kill/capture (HVTK/C)
  • Manhunt
  • Intelligence operations
  • Mobility operations
  • Sabotage and demolition

Special Forces in Africa

The Top 10 Best Special Force in Africa 2019 are:

1. Egyptian Army Unit 777

Role: Hostage Rescue, Assassination, Sabotage

Egyptian Army Unit 777

The Egyptian Army Unit 777 is also referred to as Task Force 777. The Unit 777 is primarily tasked to conduct Special operations and Counter Terrorism operations within Egypt and around its sphere of interest.

Unit 777 was established in 1978 following a disastrous Egyptian commando raid in Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus in response to the hijacking of a Cyprus Air passenger aircraft by terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). During the raid, Cyprus security forces mistaken the Egyptian Commandos for terrorists as they approached the tarmac and opened fire on them killing 15 members out of the 79 member commando team.

Subsequently, Unit 777 was later called into action after three armed terrorists from the Abd Al-Nasir Movement hijacked the EgyptAir Flight 321 heading to Luxor. After a brief negotiation with the terrorists, two Unit 777 operatives disguised as maintenance workers went inside the aircraft and neutralized the terrorists with no loss to the passengers. With such capabilities, the Unit 777 is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa .

Unit 777 is a division of the Sa’ka forces, an elite Egyptian military commando force. Unit 777 is currently engaged in anti-terror operations in the Sinai region. Its previous engagements includes:

  • Operation Badr (1973)
  • Shdwan Battle
  • Battle of Ismailia
  • EgyptAir Flight 321
  • Operation Sinai
  • Operation Martyr’s Right

2. South African Special Forces Brigade

Role: Direct action, Manhunt, Reconnaissance

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training
South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training

South African Special Forces Brigade also known as the Recce, it specializing in long-range combat reconnaissance as well as unconventional airborne operations.

The South African Special Forces Brigade was formed from the then Hunter Group mainly for counter-insurgency operation within the South African Army. In 1970, the success of the South African Special Forces Brigade brought about five other reconnaissance units, later referred to as the “Recces”.

The South African Special Forces Brigade has undergone several broad restructuring. Presently, the South African Special Forces Brigade has the unique distiction of not being part of the South African Army or the South African Navy as is the practice in similar special forces structure worldwide, it is directly under the command of the Joint Operations Division.

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operator

The South African Special Forces selection process sometimes called ‘The Ultimate Challenge‘ is regarded as one of the most difficult special forces selection courses in the world

As matter of pride and bravery, the Recce always the first unit into any combat and the last one’s out of the conflict zone. As their motto rightly explains: WE FEAR NAUGHT BUT GOD

During the Border/Bush War, F Zeelie was the first person killed, while H. Carstens was also the last person killed in the Border/Bush War. Both operators were from the of the 1st Recce.

The Recce undertook several daring missions during the Bush War with Angola, some more prominent missions includes Operation Mebos, Operation Askari and the controversial Operation Argon. In Operation Askari, a few South African Special Forces soldiers entered Angola in order to disrupt the logistical support and command & control capabilities of PLAN. Operation Askari prevented a planned large-scale invasion of the SouthWestern Africa by the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).

More recently, An operator of the South African Special Forces made the 7th longest recorded sniper kill in history with a confirmed distance of 2,125 m (2,324 yd) using a South African-made 14.5 mm Denel NTW-20 anti-materiel rifle during operations as part of the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade. Which is why the SANDF Special Force Brigade is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

SANDF Special Forces Organigram
SANDF Special Forces Organogram

The South African Special Forces Brigade (Recce) has taken part in various engagements which are;

  • South African Border War
  • Rhodesian Bush War
  • Angolan Civil War
  • Mozambican Civil War
  • Séléka rebellion
  • M23 rebellion
READ ALSO:  Ghanaians say "No to US Military base in Ghana."

3. Algerian Army Special Intervention Group

Role: Hostage rescue, Direct action, Counter Terrorism

Algerian Special Intervention Group
Algerian Special Intervention Group operator

The Algerian Special Intervention Group also known as the Groupe d’Intervention Spécial (GIS) in French has long been one of Africa’s most-feared special forces. Better known in Algeria as the ‘Ninjas.’ Mainly skilled in Counter-terrorism and Hostage Rescue.

They have a reputation for cold-blooded ruthlessness, often times killing both the terrorists and hostages in order to deter would-be terrorists from using hostages as a bargaining chip.

Since 1987, The Special Intervention Group (GIS) forces have been the bulwark between Algeria and rampaging violent Islamic militants. For many years, Algeria has been in a brutal tug-of-war with domestic Islamist extremists coupled with the ever troublesome border areas with neighbors including Libya and Mali, and also the fact that Algeria is actively supporting the Western Saharan independence movement the Polisario Front.

A controversial incident occurred on 16 January 2013 in a gas facility near In Amenas, Algeria. An Algerian gas field operated jointly by Sonatrach, an Algerian state-owned company, British firm BP and the Norwegian firm Statoil. The gas field supplies 10% of Algeria’s natural gas production, a vital asset to Algerian survival.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

al-Qaeda-linked terrorists affiliated with a brigade led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar attacked the oil installation, demanding an end to French military operations against Islamists in northern Mali, in return for the safety of the hostages. According to U.S. officials, in the over 800 hostages, 132 were foreign nationals including British, French, Japanese etc.

The terrorists tied explosive cords around some of the captives, after four days of gruesome waiting, in a daring attempt the Algerian Special Intervention Group -GIS raided the oil facility using helicopter gunships and heavy weapons, in an effort to free the hostages. As a result, 39 foreign hostages from nine different countries lost their lives however, a total of 685 Algerian workers and 107 foreigners were freed while 39 terrorist were killed. Three surviving terrorists were also apprehended, making the Algerian Special Intervention Group on of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

During the siege, the Algerian communications minister, Mohamed Said Belaid, said that “The objective is clear: to destabilize Algeria.” and that the terrorists wanted “to destroy the national economy” and the state, he further announced that “there would be no negotiations or blackmail” and Algeria would be “relentless in the fight against terrorists“.

The rescue operation brought a bittersweet response from the international community. Several Western countries complained about Algeria’s failure to minimize casualties while some praised the decision by Algerian special forces to storm the site on time. According to Anouar Boukhars of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, that “Algerians are jealous of their sovereignty”, which fits with their general pattern of acting independently, and a policy of no negotiation with terrorists.

In retrospect, soldiers from the GIS are taught the fierce art of the Japanese Ju-Jitsu and the ancient Korean Kuk Sool Won art, but in a purely practical military aspect. The Algerian ancient training regime have been copied by various special operations forces globally. As a testament to their fighting art, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) recommended that the Algerian Special Intervention Group be used as a template by several European and African countries.

4. Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Role: Tactical operations, Hostage rescue, VIP protection

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS) operator

Definitely one of the most highly trained and well equipped Special Forces in the world. The Tunisian Army Special Forces Group is widely know for its use of the most sophisticated infantry weapons available globally. Their main mission is the protection of the Tunisian national territory and to deter any attempt of foreign aggression.

As a testament to their training, the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group have not failed in any assigned task and has contributed immensely in foiling terrorist attacks. They are also trained to handle heavy weapons, this unit as the whole army suffered from marginalization on the part of the old regime.

This mask wearing Tunisian Army Special Forces Group or Groupe des Forces Spéciales (GFS) in Spanish has been on the frontiers defending Tunisia from being overrun by terrorists. They are trained to defend the homeland and to intervene in a cold-blooded manner to protect human lives.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Since the 2011 Arab-spring, Tunisia has been confronted by an ever-increasing terrorism and militant insurgency which has been responsible for the deaths of dozens of soldiers, police, civilians and foreign tourists.

Furthermore, Tunisia has been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked and killed 12 Presidential Intervention Group (a sister Special Operations Forces unit) in Tunis.

In March 2016, Islamic State, which has been taking advantage of the raging Libyan Civil War in the neighboring country to recruit soldiers and increase its strength, began a series of tactical offensive into the Tunisian town of Ben Guerdane.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

During the attack, about 50 Islamic State militants launched a dawn attack on army and police posts, The Tunisian Defense Minister quickly deployed the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group which immediately counter-attacked and killed 36 of the attackers.

READ ALSO:  THE TOP 10 BEST AND MOST POWERFUL WARSHIPS IN AFRICA

After the successful operations, the Tunisian governments began considering air strikes and special forces operations against the group in neighboring Libya, confirming their the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

5. Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS)

Role: Maritime security, Direct action, Hostage rescue


A Tavor wielding Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) soldier wearing a MARPAT (short for Marine pattern) digital camouflage pattern and skull balaclava

The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service is one of the best special forces units in Africa. This elite antiterrorism unit was created by the Nigerian Government in 2006. Highly qualified for the full-spectrum of all special Operations in any terrain or weather. They are considered the very best in this region.

The NNSBS was modeled after the celebrated British crack unit, the SBS. This little-known unit has been on the forefront of the fight against maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service has also been deployed in several internal security duties especially against the notorious Boko Haram sect and Niger Delta militants.

  • Nigerian special forces conduct a mock casualty evacuation (REUTERS/Emmanuel Braun)

In 2011, during a training in Senegal together with Army Amphibious Forces, US Marines and Senegalese Marines, the NNSBS were praised for their dexterity in small boat operations and littoral warfare which the Americans attributed to years of fighting militants in the Niger Delta creeks.

As a sign of their combat prowess, in August 2016 a distressed call was made to the Naval Regional Maritime Awareness Centre (RMAC) through the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), about a pirate hijack on a British-flagged vessel, ‘MT VECTIS OSPREY.’ Following the swift deployment of a naval patrol ship NNS NWAMBA to the scene, NNSBS operatives quickly engaged the pirates who were about boarding the vessel. Resulting in the rescue of all the crew members without any casualty, making the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

In 2017, during the ECOWAS military intervention in the Gambia, the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service were amongst the first units to enter the country, providing VIP protection for the Gambian Presidency.

The duties of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service includes Naval intelligence, Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency (CTCOIN), enforcing maritime security, anti-piracy, littoral operation and facilities/VIP protection.

The SBS operatives were actively involved in Operation PULO-SHIELD in Niger Delta, Operation SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State, Operation RESTORE ORDER in Kano State, Operation IRON FENCE 2 in Kogi State and Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA in the North East. The SBS elements are currently involved in Operation LAFIA DOLE in the North East and SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State. 

6. Tunisian National Guard Special Unit

Role: Hostage rescue, Counter-Terrorism, Direct action

Tunisian National Guard Special Force trooper

The Tunisian National Guard Special Unit, commonly abbreviated USGN or Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale in French is one of the most elite special forces unit and also one of the finest and most formidable special warfare combat unit in the North African and Middle-Eastern region.

Directly under the control of the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior, the USGN is officially based in Bir Bouregba. This unit recruits its members of the National Guard directly and train them independently.

The USGN specializes in special operations such as counter-terrorism, Hostage rescue, as well as reconnaissance and raid behind enemy lines. Their main mission is to intervention within Tunisian territory, especially in non-urban areas (mountains, forests, beaches, deserts). The USGN is structured on the model of American Navy Seals with which it has a sustained collaboration.

The unit serves as the Tunisian governments premier counter-terrorism unit, providing a tactical resolution in hostage and high-risk law enforcement situations. This rather small albeit highly specialized special operations force was established in the early 1980s, and is based in Hammamet.

In January 2018, Tunisian National Guard Special Unit killed a senior member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI) who was wanted by Algeria since 1993.

In more recent time, the USGN has been involved in several training missions outside the country, in cooperation with the United States Delta Force and other special forces from European countries.

In 1985, the USGN was invited to Austria by the Einsatzkommando-Cobra (EKO Cobra) to participate in international special force exercise, attended by several international elite forces like the EKO COBRA GSG-9, French GIGN and United States Delta force. The USGN came fourth all exercises and also ranked number one special force in Arab and Africa, as well as sixth in the world after the United States, Russia, Britain, France. This reinstates their position as one of Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

7. Nigerian Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF)

Role: Counter-Terrorism, Direct action, VIP protection

With a gung-ho attitude towards adversity, the Armed forces Special Forces (AFSF) are one of the most elite personnel in the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, they consist of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force Regiment and the Department of State security personnel (DSS).


Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces Sniper Unit stand in their ghillie suits at the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) military demonstration held at General Ao Azazi barracks in Gwagwalada on April 17, 2018.

Trained in Nigerian Special Forces Training Institutions and also underwent CT/COIN training in Belarus, an Eastern European.

In 2017, 26 officers and 440 soldiers of the unit also underwent training in Pakistan, under the Special Services Group (SSG), the Pakistani Army’s SSG, famous in the international military community for their successful CT/COIN operations in Afghanistan and the northwest regions of Pakistan.

Over there, the AFSF troops trained at Tarbella, home of the SSG’s elite counter-terrorist unit, the Zararr Battalion. Since their commissioning, They are deployed to almost all troubled area in Northern Nigeria. Their duties are mainly Direct action alongside regular troops, HVT’s hunt and capture, Quick Response in tactical situation (QRF) and VIP protection.

READ ALSO:  Black Panther: The Allure of African Supremacism

The AFSF are kitted with the most advanced and exotic weaponry and gadget unlike regular infantry soldiers. They have consistently been on the war-front since 2016, battling the Boko Haram insurgent group as well as the various armed groups and bandits in the Sahara. The AFSF is clearly on the position of being the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

On account of their known doggedness and insistence on pursuing, even hunting the insurgents, Boko Haram commanders often issue warnings to their fighters to avoid engaging with the AFSF. Confirming their position as Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The AFSF, now with a reputation for being a scourge of Boko Haram, participated in the recapture of Bama, Baga, Damboa, Marte, Kangarwa and more. The AFSF commandos are “always leading the way”. In one operation, their vehicle was hit and disabled by a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but the AFSF Commandos simply jumped onto new vehicles and completed their mission.

8. Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR)

Role: Counter-Insurgency, Close Target Reconnaissance, Asymmetric Warfare

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR), is made up of the Rangers Strike Force identified as 40 RSF and Special Forces (SF) known as 30S. Both the Ranger Strike Force (RSF) and the Special Force (SF) were relatively unknown until their deployment to Somalia for Operation Linda Nchi was launched.

The Rangers Strike Force takes 63 days to train while the training for Special Forces lasts for six months. One of the major differences between the two is that Rangers are trained by Americans and the Special Forces by the British.

During a recent joint training with Jordan’s Quick Reaction Force, the Jordanians were surprised by the Kenyans’ superior skills.

The Kenyan Special Force (SF) has mostly been involved in reconnaissance and infiltration missions behind enemy lines while Rangers are being used as fighters strike force.


  • Military personnel mobilize on September 21, 2013 outside an upmarket shopping mall in Nairobi, where suspected terrorists engaged Kenyan security forces in a drawn out gun fight. AFP PHOTO / Tony KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images

In the battle for Kismayu, code-named Operation Sledge Hammer, a team of Kenyan special forces, spearheaded the vanguard unit of an amphibious assault operation, quickly secured the landing zone and captured the port city with no casualty.

Their performance at the war front was so brilliant that President Mwai Kibaki, during the recent Jamhuri Day celebrations, and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, rewarded a number of the outstanding fighters with the Silver Star, one of Kenya’s highest awards. Making the Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment has been used very aggressively over the past five years. They have been actively engaged in Somalia the past several years. The SOR operators are highly trained, experts in special operations, and well-equipped. The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR) are without a doubt, one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

9. Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGR)

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group or the Groupe d’Intérvention de La Gendarmerie Royale (GIGR) in Spanish is an elite Special Force regiment within the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie, specially trained for special operations within Morocco.

This special force group is composed of several combat units including a Commando Group of the Guard, an airborne assault battalion, a mountain infantry battalion and a Rapid Intervention group (GIR) amongst others.

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is a highly secretive group, in charge of maintaining public order. They are viewed as the main pillar in the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. The GIGR is undoubtedly one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

They spearhead most major military operations in Morocco and the environs, confirming its status as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

During the 2017 Operation Flintlock held in Tifnit, Morocco, the US Military Information Support Operations (MISO) instructors were duly impressed with the quality of the Moroccan operators they have been tasked with training, commenting on their adaptability. The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is still one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

10. Tunisian Anti-Terrorism Brigade (BAT)

Role: SWAT, Hostage rescue, VIP Protection

Commonly called the ‘Black Tigers’ in Tunisia, this elite Special Operations unit is one of the best-trained and most formidable units a North Africa can boast of. Basically a Tunisian National SWAT, and one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The BAT is the elite of the Tunisian National Police, under the Ministry of the Interior. It is based in the capital, more precisely in Bouchoucha. This unit recruits its members directly from the national police. Intervening in the field only in extreme cases, their main mission is the intervention in Built-up areas and against hostage taking in tactical situations such as in airports.


  • Police officers stand outside the parliament in Tunis March 18, 2015. REUTERS/ Zoubeir Souissi

Other notable Forces on the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

This are other elite special forces in the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

  • Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Group (NAF QRF)
  • Kenyan Police General Service Unit (GSU)
  • Somalian Army Special Forces (Alpha Group)
  • Cameroonian Army Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR)
  • South African Police STP
  • Kenyan Navy Special Boat Unit (KSBU)
  • Ivory Coast Special Forces

About the Author

African Military Blog
The African defense information ecosystem is broken, African Military Blog intends to enact a paradigm shift through providing critical access to industry dataset, magazines, daily news, acquisitions and expert insights.

6 Comments on "Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019"

  2. Danooz | February 10, 2019 at 9:40 am | Reply

    Most of the photos posted under Kenya Army SOR are police special intervention units ie GSU Recce, AP BPU SF, and DCI QRT… Few pictures there belong to 30th and 40th groups

    • African Military Blog | February 11, 2019 at 11:30 pm | Reply

      Yes you’re quite correct. We are aware of the difference in both GSU Recce and the KA SOR However, the Kenyan Army SOR are apathetically camera shy as a result we couldn’t pull out a quality picture of them.

      Nonetheless, the uniform of the GSU Recce and the 40 RSF and 30S Special Forces are very similar and would take a practiced eye to spot them apart.

      Regards

  4. Motaz | February 24, 2019 at 6:47 pm | Reply

    hello regarding Tunisian Army Special forces thous pictures belong to the USGN i can provide with some pictures to the army unit
    and the 2nd picture in the BAT belong to the Presidential Guard

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Army Archives | African Military Blog

Army

#####EOF##### Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 | African Military Blog

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019

TOPICS:
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa

Posted By: African Military Blog January 31, 2019

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 can be said to be the most accomplished military unit with exceptional combat record, training, and equipment. The Special Force branch of a country is usually the tip of the spear, trained to conduct the most difficult and challenging aspect of military operations.

A country’s Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are ususally called upon to achieve a military objective in scenerious where conventional military units cannot realistically handle. employment of Special Forces even in tactical levels can affect the overall strategic outcome of a war.

The Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa are usually highly-trained, well-equipped, organized, reticent. In order to maintain their optimum combat performance, SF/SOFs are specially designated and they employ unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment. This years Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa would look at the very best Africa has to offer.

Historical Context of Special Forces in Africa

Special Forces, as they would come to be recognized, emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War.

In 1940, the British Commandos were formed following Winston Churchill’s call for “specially trained troops of the hunter class, who can develop a reign of terror down the enemy coast.” A staff officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clarke, had already submitted such a proposal to General Sir John Dill, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Dill, aware of Churchill’s intentions, approved Clarke’s proposal and on 23 June 1940, the first Commando raid took place.

Role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces

The role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces is predominantly dependent on the country, Special Forces and Special Operations Forces may perform a wide variety of duties and functions which consists of (but not limited to);

  • Unconventional/Asymmetrical warfare.
  • Airborne operations
  • Counter-insurgency and Counter-terrorism (COIN/CT)
  • Foreign and Internal defense
  • Covert operations
  • Direct action (alongside regular troops)
  • Hostage rescue
  • High-value targets kill/capture (HVTK/C)
  • Manhunt
  • Intelligence operations
  • Mobility operations
  • Sabotage and demolition

Special Forces in Africa

The Top 10 Best Special Force in Africa 2019 are:

1. Egyptian Army Unit 777

Role: Hostage Rescue, Assassination, Sabotage

Egyptian Army Unit 777

The Egyptian Army Unit 777 is also referred to as Task Force 777. The Unit 777 is primarily tasked to conduct Special operations and Counter Terrorism operations within Egypt and around its sphere of interest.

Unit 777 was established in 1978 following a disastrous Egyptian commando raid in Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus in response to the hijacking of a Cyprus Air passenger aircraft by terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). During the raid, Cyprus security forces mistaken the Egyptian Commandos for terrorists as they approached the tarmac and opened fire on them killing 15 members out of the 79 member commando team.

Subsequently, Unit 777 was later called into action after three armed terrorists from the Abd Al-Nasir Movement hijacked the EgyptAir Flight 321 heading to Luxor. After a brief negotiation with the terrorists, two Unit 777 operatives disguised as maintenance workers went inside the aircraft and neutralized the terrorists with no loss to the passengers. With such capabilities, the Unit 777 is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa .

Unit 777 is a division of the Sa’ka forces, an elite Egyptian military commando force. Unit 777 is currently engaged in anti-terror operations in the Sinai region. Its previous engagements includes:

  • Operation Badr (1973)
  • Shdwan Battle
  • Battle of Ismailia
  • EgyptAir Flight 321
  • Operation Sinai
  • Operation Martyr’s Right

2. South African Special Forces Brigade

Role: Direct action, Manhunt, Reconnaissance

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training
South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training

South African Special Forces Brigade also known as the Recce, it specializing in long-range combat reconnaissance as well as unconventional airborne operations.

The South African Special Forces Brigade was formed from the then Hunter Group mainly for counter-insurgency operation within the South African Army. In 1970, the success of the South African Special Forces Brigade brought about five other reconnaissance units, later referred to as the “Recces”.

The South African Special Forces Brigade has undergone several broad restructuring. Presently, the South African Special Forces Brigade has the unique distiction of not being part of the South African Army or the South African Navy as is the practice in similar special forces structure worldwide, it is directly under the command of the Joint Operations Division.

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operator

The South African Special Forces selection process sometimes called ‘The Ultimate Challenge‘ is regarded as one of the most difficult special forces selection courses in the world

As matter of pride and bravery, the Recce always the first unit into any combat and the last one’s out of the conflict zone. As their motto rightly explains: WE FEAR NAUGHT BUT GOD

During the Border/Bush War, F Zeelie was the first person killed, while H. Carstens was also the last person killed in the Border/Bush War. Both operators were from the of the 1st Recce.

The Recce undertook several daring missions during the Bush War with Angola, some more prominent missions includes Operation Mebos, Operation Askari and the controversial Operation Argon. In Operation Askari, a few South African Special Forces soldiers entered Angola in order to disrupt the logistical support and command & control capabilities of PLAN. Operation Askari prevented a planned large-scale invasion of the SouthWestern Africa by the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).

More recently, An operator of the South African Special Forces made the 7th longest recorded sniper kill in history with a confirmed distance of 2,125 m (2,324 yd) using a South African-made 14.5 mm Denel NTW-20 anti-materiel rifle during operations as part of the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade. Which is why the SANDF Special Force Brigade is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

SANDF Special Forces Organigram
SANDF Special Forces Organogram

The South African Special Forces Brigade (Recce) has taken part in various engagements which are;

  • South African Border War
  • Rhodesian Bush War
  • Angolan Civil War
  • Mozambican Civil War
  • Séléka rebellion
  • M23 rebellion
READ ALSO:  Africa heading in the direction of peace - UN Secretary General

3. Algerian Army Special Intervention Group

Role: Hostage rescue, Direct action, Counter Terrorism

Algerian Special Intervention Group
Algerian Special Intervention Group operator

The Algerian Special Intervention Group also known as the Groupe d’Intervention Spécial (GIS) in French has long been one of Africa’s most-feared special forces. Better known in Algeria as the ‘Ninjas.’ Mainly skilled in Counter-terrorism and Hostage Rescue.

They have a reputation for cold-blooded ruthlessness, often times killing both the terrorists and hostages in order to deter would-be terrorists from using hostages as a bargaining chip.

Since 1987, The Special Intervention Group (GIS) forces have been the bulwark between Algeria and rampaging violent Islamic militants. For many years, Algeria has been in a brutal tug-of-war with domestic Islamist extremists coupled with the ever troublesome border areas with neighbors including Libya and Mali, and also the fact that Algeria is actively supporting the Western Saharan independence movement the Polisario Front.

A controversial incident occurred on 16 January 2013 in a gas facility near In Amenas, Algeria. An Algerian gas field operated jointly by Sonatrach, an Algerian state-owned company, British firm BP and the Norwegian firm Statoil. The gas field supplies 10% of Algeria’s natural gas production, a vital asset to Algerian survival.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

al-Qaeda-linked terrorists affiliated with a brigade led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar attacked the oil installation, demanding an end to French military operations against Islamists in northern Mali, in return for the safety of the hostages. According to U.S. officials, in the over 800 hostages, 132 were foreign nationals including British, French, Japanese etc.

The terrorists tied explosive cords around some of the captives, after four days of gruesome waiting, in a daring attempt the Algerian Special Intervention Group -GIS raided the oil facility using helicopter gunships and heavy weapons, in an effort to free the hostages. As a result, 39 foreign hostages from nine different countries lost their lives however, a total of 685 Algerian workers and 107 foreigners were freed while 39 terrorist were killed. Three surviving terrorists were also apprehended, making the Algerian Special Intervention Group on of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

During the siege, the Algerian communications minister, Mohamed Said Belaid, said that “The objective is clear: to destabilize Algeria.” and that the terrorists wanted “to destroy the national economy” and the state, he further announced that “there would be no negotiations or blackmail” and Algeria would be “relentless in the fight against terrorists“.

The rescue operation brought a bittersweet response from the international community. Several Western countries complained about Algeria’s failure to minimize casualties while some praised the decision by Algerian special forces to storm the site on time. According to Anouar Boukhars of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, that “Algerians are jealous of their sovereignty”, which fits with their general pattern of acting independently, and a policy of no negotiation with terrorists.

In retrospect, soldiers from the GIS are taught the fierce art of the Japanese Ju-Jitsu and the ancient Korean Kuk Sool Won art, but in a purely practical military aspect. The Algerian ancient training regime have been copied by various special operations forces globally. As a testament to their fighting art, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) recommended that the Algerian Special Intervention Group be used as a template by several European and African countries.

4. Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Role: Tactical operations, Hostage rescue, VIP protection

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS) operator

Definitely one of the most highly trained and well equipped Special Forces in the world. The Tunisian Army Special Forces Group is widely know for its use of the most sophisticated infantry weapons available globally. Their main mission is the protection of the Tunisian national territory and to deter any attempt of foreign aggression.

As a testament to their training, the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group have not failed in any assigned task and has contributed immensely in foiling terrorist attacks. They are also trained to handle heavy weapons, this unit as the whole army suffered from marginalization on the part of the old regime.

This mask wearing Tunisian Army Special Forces Group or Groupe des Forces Spéciales (GFS) in Spanish has been on the frontiers defending Tunisia from being overrun by terrorists. They are trained to defend the homeland and to intervene in a cold-blooded manner to protect human lives.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Since the 2011 Arab-spring, Tunisia has been confronted by an ever-increasing terrorism and militant insurgency which has been responsible for the deaths of dozens of soldiers, police, civilians and foreign tourists.

Furthermore, Tunisia has been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked and killed 12 Presidential Intervention Group (a sister Special Operations Forces unit) in Tunis.

In March 2016, Islamic State, which has been taking advantage of the raging Libyan Civil War in the neighboring country to recruit soldiers and increase its strength, began a series of tactical offensive into the Tunisian town of Ben Guerdane.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

During the attack, about 50 Islamic State militants launched a dawn attack on army and police posts, The Tunisian Defense Minister quickly deployed the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group which immediately counter-attacked and killed 36 of the attackers.

READ ALSO:  Top 10 Best Army In Africa 2019

After the successful operations, the Tunisian governments began considering air strikes and special forces operations against the group in neighboring Libya, confirming their the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

5. Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS)

Role: Maritime security, Direct action, Hostage rescue


A Tavor wielding Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) soldier wearing a MARPAT (short for Marine pattern) digital camouflage pattern and skull balaclava

The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service is one of the best special forces units in Africa. This elite antiterrorism unit was created by the Nigerian Government in 2006. Highly qualified for the full-spectrum of all special Operations in any terrain or weather. They are considered the very best in this region.

The NNSBS was modeled after the celebrated British crack unit, the SBS. This little-known unit has been on the forefront of the fight against maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service has also been deployed in several internal security duties especially against the notorious Boko Haram sect and Niger Delta militants.

  • Nigerian special forces conduct a mock casualty evacuation (REUTERS/Emmanuel Braun)

In 2011, during a training in Senegal together with Army Amphibious Forces, US Marines and Senegalese Marines, the NNSBS were praised for their dexterity in small boat operations and littoral warfare which the Americans attributed to years of fighting militants in the Niger Delta creeks.

As a sign of their combat prowess, in August 2016 a distressed call was made to the Naval Regional Maritime Awareness Centre (RMAC) through the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), about a pirate hijack on a British-flagged vessel, ‘MT VECTIS OSPREY.’ Following the swift deployment of a naval patrol ship NNS NWAMBA to the scene, NNSBS operatives quickly engaged the pirates who were about boarding the vessel. Resulting in the rescue of all the crew members without any casualty, making the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

In 2017, during the ECOWAS military intervention in the Gambia, the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service were amongst the first units to enter the country, providing VIP protection for the Gambian Presidency.

The duties of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service includes Naval intelligence, Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency (CTCOIN), enforcing maritime security, anti-piracy, littoral operation and facilities/VIP protection.

The SBS operatives were actively involved in Operation PULO-SHIELD in Niger Delta, Operation SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State, Operation RESTORE ORDER in Kano State, Operation IRON FENCE 2 in Kogi State and Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA in the North East. The SBS elements are currently involved in Operation LAFIA DOLE in the North East and SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State. 

6. Tunisian National Guard Special Unit

Role: Hostage rescue, Counter-Terrorism, Direct action

Tunisian National Guard Special Force trooper

The Tunisian National Guard Special Unit, commonly abbreviated USGN or Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale in French is one of the most elite special forces unit and also one of the finest and most formidable special warfare combat unit in the North African and Middle-Eastern region.

Directly under the control of the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior, the USGN is officially based in Bir Bouregba. This unit recruits its members of the National Guard directly and train them independently.

The USGN specializes in special operations such as counter-terrorism, Hostage rescue, as well as reconnaissance and raid behind enemy lines. Their main mission is to intervention within Tunisian territory, especially in non-urban areas (mountains, forests, beaches, deserts). The USGN is structured on the model of American Navy Seals with which it has a sustained collaboration.

The unit serves as the Tunisian governments premier counter-terrorism unit, providing a tactical resolution in hostage and high-risk law enforcement situations. This rather small albeit highly specialized special operations force was established in the early 1980s, and is based in Hammamet.

In January 2018, Tunisian National Guard Special Unit killed a senior member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI) who was wanted by Algeria since 1993.

In more recent time, the USGN has been involved in several training missions outside the country, in cooperation with the United States Delta Force and other special forces from European countries.

In 1985, the USGN was invited to Austria by the Einsatzkommando-Cobra (EKO Cobra) to participate in international special force exercise, attended by several international elite forces like the EKO COBRA GSG-9, French GIGN and United States Delta force. The USGN came fourth all exercises and also ranked number one special force in Arab and Africa, as well as sixth in the world after the United States, Russia, Britain, France. This reinstates their position as one of Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

7. Nigerian Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF)

Role: Counter-Terrorism, Direct action, VIP protection

With a gung-ho attitude towards adversity, the Armed forces Special Forces (AFSF) are one of the most elite personnel in the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, they consist of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force Regiment and the Department of State security personnel (DSS).


Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces Sniper Unit stand in their ghillie suits at the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) military demonstration held at General Ao Azazi barracks in Gwagwalada on April 17, 2018.

Trained in Nigerian Special Forces Training Institutions and also underwent CT/COIN training in Belarus, an Eastern European.

In 2017, 26 officers and 440 soldiers of the unit also underwent training in Pakistan, under the Special Services Group (SSG), the Pakistani Army’s SSG, famous in the international military community for their successful CT/COIN operations in Afghanistan and the northwest regions of Pakistan.

Over there, the AFSF troops trained at Tarbella, home of the SSG’s elite counter-terrorist unit, the Zararr Battalion. Since their commissioning, They are deployed to almost all troubled area in Northern Nigeria. Their duties are mainly Direct action alongside regular troops, HVT’s hunt and capture, Quick Response in tactical situation (QRF) and VIP protection.

READ ALSO:  Should African countries acquire nuclear weapons?

The AFSF are kitted with the most advanced and exotic weaponry and gadget unlike regular infantry soldiers. They have consistently been on the war-front since 2016, battling the Boko Haram insurgent group as well as the various armed groups and bandits in the Sahara. The AFSF is clearly on the position of being the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

On account of their known doggedness and insistence on pursuing, even hunting the insurgents, Boko Haram commanders often issue warnings to their fighters to avoid engaging with the AFSF. Confirming their position as Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The AFSF, now with a reputation for being a scourge of Boko Haram, participated in the recapture of Bama, Baga, Damboa, Marte, Kangarwa and more. The AFSF commandos are “always leading the way”. In one operation, their vehicle was hit and disabled by a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but the AFSF Commandos simply jumped onto new vehicles and completed their mission.

8. Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR)

Role: Counter-Insurgency, Close Target Reconnaissance, Asymmetric Warfare

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR), is made up of the Rangers Strike Force identified as 40 RSF and Special Forces (SF) known as 30S. Both the Ranger Strike Force (RSF) and the Special Force (SF) were relatively unknown until their deployment to Somalia for Operation Linda Nchi was launched.

The Rangers Strike Force takes 63 days to train while the training for Special Forces lasts for six months. One of the major differences between the two is that Rangers are trained by Americans and the Special Forces by the British.

During a recent joint training with Jordan’s Quick Reaction Force, the Jordanians were surprised by the Kenyans’ superior skills.

The Kenyan Special Force (SF) has mostly been involved in reconnaissance and infiltration missions behind enemy lines while Rangers are being used as fighters strike force.


  • Military personnel mobilize on September 21, 2013 outside an upmarket shopping mall in Nairobi, where suspected terrorists engaged Kenyan security forces in a drawn out gun fight. AFP PHOTO / Tony KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images

In the battle for Kismayu, code-named Operation Sledge Hammer, a team of Kenyan special forces, spearheaded the vanguard unit of an amphibious assault operation, quickly secured the landing zone and captured the port city with no casualty.

Their performance at the war front was so brilliant that President Mwai Kibaki, during the recent Jamhuri Day celebrations, and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, rewarded a number of the outstanding fighters with the Silver Star, one of Kenya’s highest awards. Making the Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment has been used very aggressively over the past five years. They have been actively engaged in Somalia the past several years. The SOR operators are highly trained, experts in special operations, and well-equipped. The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR) are without a doubt, one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

9. Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGR)

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group or the Groupe d’Intérvention de La Gendarmerie Royale (GIGR) in Spanish is an elite Special Force regiment within the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie, specially trained for special operations within Morocco.

This special force group is composed of several combat units including a Commando Group of the Guard, an airborne assault battalion, a mountain infantry battalion and a Rapid Intervention group (GIR) amongst others.

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is a highly secretive group, in charge of maintaining public order. They are viewed as the main pillar in the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. The GIGR is undoubtedly one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

They spearhead most major military operations in Morocco and the environs, confirming its status as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

During the 2017 Operation Flintlock held in Tifnit, Morocco, the US Military Information Support Operations (MISO) instructors were duly impressed with the quality of the Moroccan operators they have been tasked with training, commenting on their adaptability. The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is still one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

10. Tunisian Anti-Terrorism Brigade (BAT)

Role: SWAT, Hostage rescue, VIP Protection

Commonly called the ‘Black Tigers’ in Tunisia, this elite Special Operations unit is one of the best-trained and most formidable units a North Africa can boast of. Basically a Tunisian National SWAT, and one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The BAT is the elite of the Tunisian National Police, under the Ministry of the Interior. It is based in the capital, more precisely in Bouchoucha. This unit recruits its members directly from the national police. Intervening in the field only in extreme cases, their main mission is the intervention in Built-up areas and against hostage taking in tactical situations such as in airports.


  • Police officers stand outside the parliament in Tunis March 18, 2015. REUTERS/ Zoubeir Souissi

Other notable Forces on the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

This are other elite special forces in the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

  • Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Group (NAF QRF)
  • Kenyan Police General Service Unit (GSU)
  • Somalian Army Special Forces (Alpha Group)
  • Cameroonian Army Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR)
  • South African Police STP
  • Kenyan Navy Special Boat Unit (KSBU)
  • Ivory Coast Special Forces

About the Author

African Military Blog
The African defense information ecosystem is broken, African Military Blog intends to enact a paradigm shift through providing critical access to industry dataset, magazines, daily news, acquisitions and expert insights.

6 Comments on "Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019"

  2. Danooz | February 10, 2019 at 9:40 am | Reply

    Most of the photos posted under Kenya Army SOR are police special intervention units ie GSU Recce, AP BPU SF, and DCI QRT… Few pictures there belong to 30th and 40th groups

    • African Military Blog | February 11, 2019 at 11:30 pm | Reply

      Yes you’re quite correct. We are aware of the difference in both GSU Recce and the KA SOR However, the Kenyan Army SOR are apathetically camera shy as a result we couldn’t pull out a quality picture of them.

      Nonetheless, the uniform of the GSU Recce and the 40 RSF and 30S Special Forces are very similar and would take a practiced eye to spot them apart.

      Regards

  4. Motaz | February 24, 2019 at 6:47 pm | Reply

    hello regarding Tunisian Army Special forces thous pictures belong to the USGN i can provide with some pictures to the army unit
    and the 2nd picture in the BAT belong to the Presidential Guard

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Copyright Notice | African Military Blog

Copyright Notice

OUR COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

All of the articles and posts shared on this website AfricanMilitaryBlog are all properties of the owners of the website, while some of the content such as a few images might be present on other site, we try our best not to use copyrighted materials on this website.

All the content of this website are a product of it and should never be reproduced else where without the authorization of the publishers.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

#####EOF##### About Us | African Military Blog

About Us

About us


African Military Blog s is a team research which was built in 2013 and we post Military-related news articles, latest Military acquisitions, Strategies and Equipment. Limited researches that collect & share all the best information about the aforementioned topics.

Note: This website is for your information only. All the information that we provided here is the types of information that we received and collected from books, studies and some research from the Internet. Though we make efforts to provides reference to our article source but we urge you to please don’t base on this information that we provided here alone.

If you have any concern about our information or you want to report an error in any of our article, or share your ideas with us, please click here to contact us now.

We also encourage you to read more about our Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.

If you’re new to the site, Welcome! If you’re familiar with us, thank you for your loyalty over the years. We hope to continue to meet and exceed your expectations.

– The AM.B Team

Thank you!

#####EOF##### Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 | African Military Blog

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019

TOPICS:
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa

Posted By: African Military Blog January 31, 2019

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 can be said to be the most accomplished military unit with exceptional combat record, training, and equipment. The Special Force branch of a country is usually the tip of the spear, trained to conduct the most difficult and challenging aspect of military operations.

A country’s Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are ususally called upon to achieve a military objective in scenerious where conventional military units cannot realistically handle. employment of Special Forces even in tactical levels can affect the overall strategic outcome of a war.

The Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa are usually highly-trained, well-equipped, organized, reticent. In order to maintain their optimum combat performance, SF/SOFs are specially designated and they employ unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment. This years Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa would look at the very best Africa has to offer.

Historical Context of Special Forces in Africa

Special Forces, as they would come to be recognized, emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War.

In 1940, the British Commandos were formed following Winston Churchill’s call for “specially trained troops of the hunter class, who can develop a reign of terror down the enemy coast.” A staff officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clarke, had already submitted such a proposal to General Sir John Dill, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Dill, aware of Churchill’s intentions, approved Clarke’s proposal and on 23 June 1940, the first Commando raid took place.

Role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces

The role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces is predominantly dependent on the country, Special Forces and Special Operations Forces may perform a wide variety of duties and functions which consists of (but not limited to);

  • Unconventional/Asymmetrical warfare.
  • Airborne operations
  • Counter-insurgency and Counter-terrorism (COIN/CT)
  • Foreign and Internal defense
  • Covert operations
  • Direct action (alongside regular troops)
  • Hostage rescue
  • High-value targets kill/capture (HVTK/C)
  • Manhunt
  • Intelligence operations
  • Mobility operations
  • Sabotage and demolition

Special Forces in Africa

The Top 10 Best Special Force in Africa 2019 are:

1. Egyptian Army Unit 777

Role: Hostage Rescue, Assassination, Sabotage

Egyptian Army Unit 777

The Egyptian Army Unit 777 is also referred to as Task Force 777. The Unit 777 is primarily tasked to conduct Special operations and Counter Terrorism operations within Egypt and around its sphere of interest.

Unit 777 was established in 1978 following a disastrous Egyptian commando raid in Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus in response to the hijacking of a Cyprus Air passenger aircraft by terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). During the raid, Cyprus security forces mistaken the Egyptian Commandos for terrorists as they approached the tarmac and opened fire on them killing 15 members out of the 79 member commando team.

Subsequently, Unit 777 was later called into action after three armed terrorists from the Abd Al-Nasir Movement hijacked the EgyptAir Flight 321 heading to Luxor. After a brief negotiation with the terrorists, two Unit 777 operatives disguised as maintenance workers went inside the aircraft and neutralized the terrorists with no loss to the passengers. With such capabilities, the Unit 777 is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa .

Unit 777 is a division of the Sa’ka forces, an elite Egyptian military commando force. Unit 777 is currently engaged in anti-terror operations in the Sinai region. Its previous engagements includes:

  • Operation Badr (1973)
  • Shdwan Battle
  • Battle of Ismailia
  • EgyptAir Flight 321
  • Operation Sinai
  • Operation Martyr’s Right

2. South African Special Forces Brigade

Role: Direct action, Manhunt, Reconnaissance

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training
South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training

South African Special Forces Brigade also known as the Recce, it specializing in long-range combat reconnaissance as well as unconventional airborne operations.

The South African Special Forces Brigade was formed from the then Hunter Group mainly for counter-insurgency operation within the South African Army. In 1970, the success of the South African Special Forces Brigade brought about five other reconnaissance units, later referred to as the “Recces”.

The South African Special Forces Brigade has undergone several broad restructuring. Presently, the South African Special Forces Brigade has the unique distiction of not being part of the South African Army or the South African Navy as is the practice in similar special forces structure worldwide, it is directly under the command of the Joint Operations Division.

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operator

The South African Special Forces selection process sometimes called ‘The Ultimate Challenge‘ is regarded as one of the most difficult special forces selection courses in the world

As matter of pride and bravery, the Recce always the first unit into any combat and the last one’s out of the conflict zone. As their motto rightly explains: WE FEAR NAUGHT BUT GOD

During the Border/Bush War, F Zeelie was the first person killed, while H. Carstens was also the last person killed in the Border/Bush War. Both operators were from the of the 1st Recce.

The Recce undertook several daring missions during the Bush War with Angola, some more prominent missions includes Operation Mebos, Operation Askari and the controversial Operation Argon. In Operation Askari, a few South African Special Forces soldiers entered Angola in order to disrupt the logistical support and command & control capabilities of PLAN. Operation Askari prevented a planned large-scale invasion of the SouthWestern Africa by the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).

More recently, An operator of the South African Special Forces made the 7th longest recorded sniper kill in history with a confirmed distance of 2,125 m (2,324 yd) using a South African-made 14.5 mm Denel NTW-20 anti-materiel rifle during operations as part of the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade. Which is why the SANDF Special Force Brigade is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

SANDF Special Forces Organigram
SANDF Special Forces Organogram

The South African Special Forces Brigade (Recce) has taken part in various engagements which are;

  • South African Border War
  • Rhodesian Bush War
  • Angolan Civil War
  • Mozambican Civil War
  • Séléka rebellion
  • M23 rebellion
READ ALSO:  The Best Military in Africa 2019

3. Algerian Army Special Intervention Group

Role: Hostage rescue, Direct action, Counter Terrorism

Algerian Special Intervention Group
Algerian Special Intervention Group operator

The Algerian Special Intervention Group also known as the Groupe d’Intervention Spécial (GIS) in French has long been one of Africa’s most-feared special forces. Better known in Algeria as the ‘Ninjas.’ Mainly skilled in Counter-terrorism and Hostage Rescue.

They have a reputation for cold-blooded ruthlessness, often times killing both the terrorists and hostages in order to deter would-be terrorists from using hostages as a bargaining chip.

Since 1987, The Special Intervention Group (GIS) forces have been the bulwark between Algeria and rampaging violent Islamic militants. For many years, Algeria has been in a brutal tug-of-war with domestic Islamist extremists coupled with the ever troublesome border areas with neighbors including Libya and Mali, and also the fact that Algeria is actively supporting the Western Saharan independence movement the Polisario Front.

A controversial incident occurred on 16 January 2013 in a gas facility near In Amenas, Algeria. An Algerian gas field operated jointly by Sonatrach, an Algerian state-owned company, British firm BP and the Norwegian firm Statoil. The gas field supplies 10% of Algeria’s natural gas production, a vital asset to Algerian survival.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

al-Qaeda-linked terrorists affiliated with a brigade led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar attacked the oil installation, demanding an end to French military operations against Islamists in northern Mali, in return for the safety of the hostages. According to U.S. officials, in the over 800 hostages, 132 were foreign nationals including British, French, Japanese etc.

The terrorists tied explosive cords around some of the captives, after four days of gruesome waiting, in a daring attempt the Algerian Special Intervention Group -GIS raided the oil facility using helicopter gunships and heavy weapons, in an effort to free the hostages. As a result, 39 foreign hostages from nine different countries lost their lives however, a total of 685 Algerian workers and 107 foreigners were freed while 39 terrorist were killed. Three surviving terrorists were also apprehended, making the Algerian Special Intervention Group on of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

During the siege, the Algerian communications minister, Mohamed Said Belaid, said that “The objective is clear: to destabilize Algeria.” and that the terrorists wanted “to destroy the national economy” and the state, he further announced that “there would be no negotiations or blackmail” and Algeria would be “relentless in the fight against terrorists“.

The rescue operation brought a bittersweet response from the international community. Several Western countries complained about Algeria’s failure to minimize casualties while some praised the decision by Algerian special forces to storm the site on time. According to Anouar Boukhars of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, that “Algerians are jealous of their sovereignty”, which fits with their general pattern of acting independently, and a policy of no negotiation with terrorists.

In retrospect, soldiers from the GIS are taught the fierce art of the Japanese Ju-Jitsu and the ancient Korean Kuk Sool Won art, but in a purely practical military aspect. The Algerian ancient training regime have been copied by various special operations forces globally. As a testament to their fighting art, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) recommended that the Algerian Special Intervention Group be used as a template by several European and African countries.

4. Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Role: Tactical operations, Hostage rescue, VIP protection

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS) operator

Definitely one of the most highly trained and well equipped Special Forces in the world. The Tunisian Army Special Forces Group is widely know for its use of the most sophisticated infantry weapons available globally. Their main mission is the protection of the Tunisian national territory and to deter any attempt of foreign aggression.

As a testament to their training, the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group have not failed in any assigned task and has contributed immensely in foiling terrorist attacks. They are also trained to handle heavy weapons, this unit as the whole army suffered from marginalization on the part of the old regime.

This mask wearing Tunisian Army Special Forces Group or Groupe des Forces Spéciales (GFS) in Spanish has been on the frontiers defending Tunisia from being overrun by terrorists. They are trained to defend the homeland and to intervene in a cold-blooded manner to protect human lives.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Since the 2011 Arab-spring, Tunisia has been confronted by an ever-increasing terrorism and militant insurgency which has been responsible for the deaths of dozens of soldiers, police, civilians and foreign tourists.

Furthermore, Tunisia has been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked and killed 12 Presidential Intervention Group (a sister Special Operations Forces unit) in Tunis.

In March 2016, Islamic State, which has been taking advantage of the raging Libyan Civil War in the neighboring country to recruit soldiers and increase its strength, began a series of tactical offensive into the Tunisian town of Ben Guerdane.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

During the attack, about 50 Islamic State militants launched a dawn attack on army and police posts, The Tunisian Defense Minister quickly deployed the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group which immediately counter-attacked and killed 36 of the attackers.

READ ALSO:  Top 10 Best Main Battle Tank in the world

After the successful operations, the Tunisian governments began considering air strikes and special forces operations against the group in neighboring Libya, confirming their the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

5. Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS)

Role: Maritime security, Direct action, Hostage rescue


A Tavor wielding Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) soldier wearing a MARPAT (short for Marine pattern) digital camouflage pattern and skull balaclava

The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service is one of the best special forces units in Africa. This elite antiterrorism unit was created by the Nigerian Government in 2006. Highly qualified for the full-spectrum of all special Operations in any terrain or weather. They are considered the very best in this region.

The NNSBS was modeled after the celebrated British crack unit, the SBS. This little-known unit has been on the forefront of the fight against maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service has also been deployed in several internal security duties especially against the notorious Boko Haram sect and Niger Delta militants.

  • Nigerian special forces conduct a mock casualty evacuation (REUTERS/Emmanuel Braun)

In 2011, during a training in Senegal together with Army Amphibious Forces, US Marines and Senegalese Marines, the NNSBS were praised for their dexterity in small boat operations and littoral warfare which the Americans attributed to years of fighting militants in the Niger Delta creeks.

As a sign of their combat prowess, in August 2016 a distressed call was made to the Naval Regional Maritime Awareness Centre (RMAC) through the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), about a pirate hijack on a British-flagged vessel, ‘MT VECTIS OSPREY.’ Following the swift deployment of a naval patrol ship NNS NWAMBA to the scene, NNSBS operatives quickly engaged the pirates who were about boarding the vessel. Resulting in the rescue of all the crew members without any casualty, making the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

In 2017, during the ECOWAS military intervention in the Gambia, the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service were amongst the first units to enter the country, providing VIP protection for the Gambian Presidency.

The duties of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service includes Naval intelligence, Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency (CTCOIN), enforcing maritime security, anti-piracy, littoral operation and facilities/VIP protection.

The SBS operatives were actively involved in Operation PULO-SHIELD in Niger Delta, Operation SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State, Operation RESTORE ORDER in Kano State, Operation IRON FENCE 2 in Kogi State and Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA in the North East. The SBS elements are currently involved in Operation LAFIA DOLE in the North East and SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State. 

6. Tunisian National Guard Special Unit

Role: Hostage rescue, Counter-Terrorism, Direct action

Tunisian National Guard Special Force trooper

The Tunisian National Guard Special Unit, commonly abbreviated USGN or Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale in French is one of the most elite special forces unit and also one of the finest and most formidable special warfare combat unit in the North African and Middle-Eastern region.

Directly under the control of the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior, the USGN is officially based in Bir Bouregba. This unit recruits its members of the National Guard directly and train them independently.

The USGN specializes in special operations such as counter-terrorism, Hostage rescue, as well as reconnaissance and raid behind enemy lines. Their main mission is to intervention within Tunisian territory, especially in non-urban areas (mountains, forests, beaches, deserts). The USGN is structured on the model of American Navy Seals with which it has a sustained collaboration.

The unit serves as the Tunisian governments premier counter-terrorism unit, providing a tactical resolution in hostage and high-risk law enforcement situations. This rather small albeit highly specialized special operations force was established in the early 1980s, and is based in Hammamet.

In January 2018, Tunisian National Guard Special Unit killed a senior member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI) who was wanted by Algeria since 1993.

In more recent time, the USGN has been involved in several training missions outside the country, in cooperation with the United States Delta Force and other special forces from European countries.

In 1985, the USGN was invited to Austria by the Einsatzkommando-Cobra (EKO Cobra) to participate in international special force exercise, attended by several international elite forces like the EKO COBRA GSG-9, French GIGN and United States Delta force. The USGN came fourth all exercises and also ranked number one special force in Arab and Africa, as well as sixth in the world after the United States, Russia, Britain, France. This reinstates their position as one of Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

7. Nigerian Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF)

Role: Counter-Terrorism, Direct action, VIP protection

With a gung-ho attitude towards adversity, the Armed forces Special Forces (AFSF) are one of the most elite personnel in the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, they consist of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force Regiment and the Department of State security personnel (DSS).


Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces Sniper Unit stand in their ghillie suits at the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) military demonstration held at General Ao Azazi barracks in Gwagwalada on April 17, 2018.

Trained in Nigerian Special Forces Training Institutions and also underwent CT/COIN training in Belarus, an Eastern European.

In 2017, 26 officers and 440 soldiers of the unit also underwent training in Pakistan, under the Special Services Group (SSG), the Pakistani Army’s SSG, famous in the international military community for their successful CT/COIN operations in Afghanistan and the northwest regions of Pakistan.

Over there, the AFSF troops trained at Tarbella, home of the SSG’s elite counter-terrorist unit, the Zararr Battalion. Since their commissioning, They are deployed to almost all troubled area in Northern Nigeria. Their duties are mainly Direct action alongside regular troops, HVT’s hunt and capture, Quick Response in tactical situation (QRF) and VIP protection.

READ ALSO:  Top 10 best navy in Africa 2019

The AFSF are kitted with the most advanced and exotic weaponry and gadget unlike regular infantry soldiers. They have consistently been on the war-front since 2016, battling the Boko Haram insurgent group as well as the various armed groups and bandits in the Sahara. The AFSF is clearly on the position of being the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

On account of their known doggedness and insistence on pursuing, even hunting the insurgents, Boko Haram commanders often issue warnings to their fighters to avoid engaging with the AFSF. Confirming their position as Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The AFSF, now with a reputation for being a scourge of Boko Haram, participated in the recapture of Bama, Baga, Damboa, Marte, Kangarwa and more. The AFSF commandos are “always leading the way”. In one operation, their vehicle was hit and disabled by a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but the AFSF Commandos simply jumped onto new vehicles and completed their mission.

8. Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR)

Role: Counter-Insurgency, Close Target Reconnaissance, Asymmetric Warfare

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR), is made up of the Rangers Strike Force identified as 40 RSF and Special Forces (SF) known as 30S. Both the Ranger Strike Force (RSF) and the Special Force (SF) were relatively unknown until their deployment to Somalia for Operation Linda Nchi was launched.

The Rangers Strike Force takes 63 days to train while the training for Special Forces lasts for six months. One of the major differences between the two is that Rangers are trained by Americans and the Special Forces by the British.

During a recent joint training with Jordan’s Quick Reaction Force, the Jordanians were surprised by the Kenyans’ superior skills.

The Kenyan Special Force (SF) has mostly been involved in reconnaissance and infiltration missions behind enemy lines while Rangers are being used as fighters strike force.


  • Military personnel mobilize on September 21, 2013 outside an upmarket shopping mall in Nairobi, where suspected terrorists engaged Kenyan security forces in a drawn out gun fight. AFP PHOTO / Tony KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images

In the battle for Kismayu, code-named Operation Sledge Hammer, a team of Kenyan special forces, spearheaded the vanguard unit of an amphibious assault operation, quickly secured the landing zone and captured the port city with no casualty.

Their performance at the war front was so brilliant that President Mwai Kibaki, during the recent Jamhuri Day celebrations, and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, rewarded a number of the outstanding fighters with the Silver Star, one of Kenya’s highest awards. Making the Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment has been used very aggressively over the past five years. They have been actively engaged in Somalia the past several years. The SOR operators are highly trained, experts in special operations, and well-equipped. The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR) are without a doubt, one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

9. Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGR)

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group or the Groupe d’Intérvention de La Gendarmerie Royale (GIGR) in Spanish is an elite Special Force regiment within the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie, specially trained for special operations within Morocco.

This special force group is composed of several combat units including a Commando Group of the Guard, an airborne assault battalion, a mountain infantry battalion and a Rapid Intervention group (GIR) amongst others.

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is a highly secretive group, in charge of maintaining public order. They are viewed as the main pillar in the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. The GIGR is undoubtedly one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

They spearhead most major military operations in Morocco and the environs, confirming its status as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

During the 2017 Operation Flintlock held in Tifnit, Morocco, the US Military Information Support Operations (MISO) instructors were duly impressed with the quality of the Moroccan operators they have been tasked with training, commenting on their adaptability. The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is still one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

10. Tunisian Anti-Terrorism Brigade (BAT)

Role: SWAT, Hostage rescue, VIP Protection

Commonly called the ‘Black Tigers’ in Tunisia, this elite Special Operations unit is one of the best-trained and most formidable units a North Africa can boast of. Basically a Tunisian National SWAT, and one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The BAT is the elite of the Tunisian National Police, under the Ministry of the Interior. It is based in the capital, more precisely in Bouchoucha. This unit recruits its members directly from the national police. Intervening in the field only in extreme cases, their main mission is the intervention in Built-up areas and against hostage taking in tactical situations such as in airports.


  • Police officers stand outside the parliament in Tunis March 18, 2015. REUTERS/ Zoubeir Souissi

Other notable Forces on the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

This are other elite special forces in the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

  • Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Group (NAF QRF)
  • Kenyan Police General Service Unit (GSU)
  • Somalian Army Special Forces (Alpha Group)
  • Cameroonian Army Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR)
  • South African Police STP
  • Kenyan Navy Special Boat Unit (KSBU)
  • Ivory Coast Special Forces

About the Author

African Military Blog
The African defense information ecosystem is broken, African Military Blog intends to enact a paradigm shift through providing critical access to industry dataset, magazines, daily news, acquisitions and expert insights.

6 Comments on "Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019"

  2. Danooz | February 10, 2019 at 9:40 am | Reply

    Most of the photos posted under Kenya Army SOR are police special intervention units ie GSU Recce, AP BPU SF, and DCI QRT… Few pictures there belong to 30th and 40th groups

    • African Military Blog | February 11, 2019 at 11:30 pm | Reply

      Yes you’re quite correct. We are aware of the difference in both GSU Recce and the KA SOR However, the Kenyan Army SOR are apathetically camera shy as a result we couldn’t pull out a quality picture of them.

      Nonetheless, the uniform of the GSU Recce and the 40 RSF and 30S Special Forces are very similar and would take a practiced eye to spot them apart.

      Regards

  4. Motaz | February 24, 2019 at 6:47 pm | Reply

    hello regarding Tunisian Army Special forces thous pictures belong to the USGN i can provide with some pictures to the army unit
    and the 2nd picture in the BAT belong to the Presidential Guard

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Nigerian made weapons, a complete list | African Military Blog

Nigerian made weapons, a complete list

TOPICS:
NIGERIAN MADE WEAPONS

Posted By: African Military Blog March 1, 2019

Nigeria’s defense, security and ultimately its unity and existence is a function of its military industrial complex, the baseline is that a credible Nigerian made weapons and military equipment development capability offers Nigeria the ability to defend itself from both ideological as well as military interferences from foreign aggressors. 

The protracted war to defeat the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists exposes the flaw in lacking a viable indigenous defense industrial complex.

Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff Tukur Yusuf Buratai

Currently, Nigeria lags behind other comparable countries in self-sufficiency in indigenous weapons production for instance, South Africa through painstaken efforts and proper political polices has develop a worldclass defense industry. South Africa has progressed from manufacturing of mere ammunition to combat helicopters,armored vehicles, Light combat aircraft even more advanced technology like nuclear weapons.

More than Fifty-five years after Nigeria’s independence, the country should be able to boast of a flourishing industrial military complex able to manufacture sophisticated weapons as well as dual use military equipment.

One of the things that stand Nigeria in good stead to lead the African continent in technology is the availability of numerous youths in Nigeria, who are interested in technology. There are many young Nigerians that are exposed to tech gadgets at an early age these days and this spurs innovative tendencies in these young ones. If these set of innovative young Nigerians are well coordinated and well directed, they will form the launching pad of a tech revolution that is capable of engulfing the country as well as take the whole of Africa by storm.

A brief history on Nigerian made weapons production (DICON)

Nigerian-made weapons design and development ecosystem is still at early stages built with assistance from Fritz Werner a West German manufacturing firm and the Soviet Union, DICON has at least two weapons production factories outside of Abuja.

The premier defense company DICON which according to its website, was established by an Act of Parliament in 1964. Fritz Werner was assigned the task of providing technical expertise and set up the Ordnance Factory in Kaduna.

In 2004, DICON successfully produced prototype medium range weapons namely 60mm mortar, 81mm mortar and the RPG-7. The weapons were successfully test-fired at the Kachia range with the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in attendance.

Nigeria’s DICON is currently in Technical Partnership with Poly-Technologies of China. Furthermore, in March 2018, DICON signed a letter of intent to the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) for the production and technology transfer of Beryl M762 assault rifles in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Air Force in recent times have not been left out in the Nigerian made weapons development drive.The force has taken significant steps aimed at deepening research and development in the service.

The first major step taken to enrich Nigerian Air Force Research & Capability was the establishment of the Air Force Research & Development Centre in 2015.

At this moment, lack of financial and management support has impeded further progress in the area of Research and Development.

Nigerian Civil War

The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War and the Nigerian-Biafran War was fought between 6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970, was a war fought between the government of Nigeria and the secessionist state of Biafra. The Nigerian Civil War neccessitated the increase in Nigerian made weapons production in order to contribute reasonably to the war efforts.

Despite the war, Nigeria made little inroad in weapons research and development, relying massively on imports from both the Soviet Union, Britain, France and the U.S. However, unlike its opponent, Biafra depended solely on its own weapons constructs which to the amazement of the whole world performed astonishingly.

Biafran made weapons in Nigeria

Although, not much is said on the mainstream media about the technological gains made by the Biafran separatist forces during the Nigerian-Biafran War. In that conflict, the Biafran people innovative spirit never seen before.

Being blockaded in all directions- air, sea and land, the Biafran Scientists and engineers went about developing cutting-edge technology to circumvent the siege. Its Science and Technology Group under the Biafran Research and Production Group (RAP) headed by Dr. Felix Oragwu a nuclear physicist developed the Ogbunigwe Surface to Surface rocket system which was used with devastating effect against the Nigerian troops. A 1968 Ogbunigwe rockets barrage culmulated into the total decimation of the Nigerian 2nd Division numbering about 6000 troops, more than a hundred vehicles were destroyed with a handful of survivors.

Nigerian authorities and defense planners have been adviced to harness whatever is left of the expertise in weaponry developed during the Nigeria civil war by the Biafrans to boost the defense industry. Since military technological development is usually assimilated from a nation’s war experience.

Weapons Embargo

European Union Weapons Embargo

In November 1995, the leader of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni Peoples, Ken Saro-Wiwa, a pro democracy campaign group which protested against oil pollutions by multinational company Shell in the Niger Delta was murdered alongside nine other members.

Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth, became diplomatically isolated, and an arms embargo was imposed by the European Union via Common position 95/515/CFSP and the United States. Although, in May 1999, the European Union restored cooperation with Nigeria however, the damage has already been done.

READ ALSO:  Nigerian Air Force straps bomb to Hexacopter drone, showcase modified gunpods.

United States Weapons Embargo

During the push to dislodge the Islamist terror group Boko Haram, the United States refused to supply Nigeria with equipment that Nigerian troops such as the Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter and Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano Counter Insurgency Light Attack Aircraft as a result of the Nigerian military’s in human rights violation in the frontline.

The United States justified its position under the Leahy Act which prevents it from supporting other countries’ militarily on grounds of human rights violation.

Decline of the Nigerian Military weapons inventory

“We also learnt the hard lessons of over reliance on foreign equipment and spares which was a huge setback in the initial stages of our operations.”


For years, the perception of the Nigerian military combat strenght and resolve has served as a form of deterrence to near-peer rivals. Sadly, that protective deterrence is now being eroded following the increasing security challenges facing the country coupled with the apparent inability of Nigeria’s security forces to curtail the menace.

Over the years, the Nigerian military has been consciously underfunded by self-interested leaders and who favoured their personal gains and power over national interest.

What is more, for two decades the Nigerian military habit of burying itself in secrecy, with little or no oversight and transparency, arms procurement was done through middle man and back-channel deals instewad of Government to Governement (G2G) as done across the world.

This trend led to an increase in corruption which has ingrained itself into the institution. The scale of corruptionand how officials apparently exploited the insurgency shocked even Nigerians wearily familiar with corruption scandals.

Sambo Dasuki, the former Nigerian National Security Adviser (NSA) to the former President of Nigeria, and scores of other defence officials were arrested and put on trial. Buhari’s government then went after procurement firms.

The need for a Nigerian made weapons production

The protracted war to defeat the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists exposes the flaw in lacking a viable indigenous defence industrial complex.

“Our experience in the Northeast and other theatres of operation has assisted us in drawing useful lessons which have shaped the ongoing transformation process of the Nigerian Army.”

The lack of a credible Nigerian made weapons production capacity has severely limits the Nigerian military’s campaign against the Jihadi group Boko Haram. 

A discomfiting event occurred during the regime of the former President Goodluck Jonathan, when cash running into several millions of dollars ostensibly for arms purchase from the dodgy international the black market was seized by the South African authorities. This singular incident caused an international uproar and collosal condemnation and outrage from the Nigerian public.

As a precautionary measure as well as a matter of national survival, the Nigerian government should take proactive measures to reverse this decline.

Also, the defense industry must build synergy with the academia and tap into its research potential while the Diaspora community has a lot to contribute as well. The arms industry is highly innovative and Nigeria must harness all resources to keep up with the pace, at least in the manufacturing of small arms and light weapons for internal security.

Nigerian made guns

  • OBJ-006 (AK-47 clone)

The Nigerian made OBJ-006 is copy of the AK-47 assault rifle which was designed by the Soviet Commander Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1946, the first practical prototype began state trials in 1947 and in 1948 full production started. 

  • NR-Light Automatic Rifle (LAR)

The Nigerian made NR-Light Automatic Rifle (LAR) is a copy of the Soviet Union Degtyaryov hand-held machine gun, it is a 7.62mm light machine gun, chambered on the 7.62×39mm M43 intermediate cartridge.

  • Sub Machine Gun – PMS 12

The Nigerian made Sub Machine Gun – PMS 12 is a copy of the Beretta Model 12. The PMS is a 9×19mm Parabellum caliber submachine gun originally designed by Beretta. The production started in 1962, the first users were the Italian Carabinieri and the Italian State Police

  • Nigerian Rifle 1 Model 7.62mm 1 7.62

The Nigerian Rifle 1 Model 7.62mm 1 7.62 is a Nigerian version of the Fabrique Nationale Fusil Automatique Léger (FN FAL) Light Automatic Rifle. The Nigerian Rifle 1 Model is a copy of the battle rifle designed by Belgian small arms designers Dieudonné Saive and Ernest Vervier and manufactured by FN Herstal.

  • Nigerian Pistol 1 (NP1)
  • Beryl M762 rifle (future)

The Beryl M762 is an export variant of the Polish military’s 5.56 mm Beryl wz. 96C service rifle that is chambered in 7.62×39 mm. It has accessory rails, uses standard AK-47 magazines, and has a fire selector with single shot, three-round burst, and full-automatic modes.

  • General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)

The Nigerian made GPMG is a copy of the MG 34, designed in 1934 by Heinrich Vollmer of Mauser in Nazi Germany. The GMPG is an air-cooled, fully automatic weapon that can be adapted to light machine gun and medium machine gun roles.

READ ALSO:  Here are some of South African Made weapons

Nigerian made small arms

  • Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher (RPG)

A rocket-propelled grenade or RPG is an anti-tank shoulder-fired weapon system that fires rockets equipped with an explosive warhead. It is reloadable with new rocket-propelled grenades. It is also effective against a wide range of targets such as bunkers, vehicles, low level helicopters and UAVs as well as personnel.

  • M36 Hand Grenade

This are modern fragmentation grenades used across the globe and have seen widespread use since the World War I. It is very dangerous to enemy personnel and vehicle. Its blast radius is usually five feet.

81 mm Mortar

This is a muzzle-loaded smooth-bore medium weight mortar. It is use for providing long range indirect fire support for ground troops. It can also be used by airborne assault units, air assault and amphibious troops to cover ground maneuvers in the entire theater of operation.

Nigerian Made ammunition

  • 7.62mm X 51 Soft Core (Ball) Cartridge
  • 7.62mm X 51 Blank Bulleted Cartridge
  • 9mm Blank Star
  • 9mm X 19 Parabellum Cartridge
  • 7.26mm X 65 Blank Star Cartridge

Nigerian made ships

Andoni Seawards Defence Boat I

Described as a seaward defence boat (SDB), the 31-metre boat was built by the Navy engineers at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, over a period of about four and half years. 

This seaward defense boat was designed and built after other river town class patrol craft in the NN inventory such as NNS Yola and NNS Brass, albeit with several modifications. This is one of the best Nigerian made weapons available.

Karaduwa Seawards Defence Boat II

This is undoubtedly the largest and most sophisticated Nigerian made weapon system.

The NNS Karaduwa (P-102) is a 40 meters naval vessel categorized as a ‘Seaward Defense Boat’ (SBB) a term use to describe a boat capable of operating from the littoral coastal waters down towards the deeper seas. In summary, it is a mid-shore patrol boat something short of a deep ocean-going ship but more capable than a coastal patrol boat.

Dorman Long Engineering was contracted to fabricate the hull and superstructure while the instruments and sensors was done by Blueflag Inc.

CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT THE NNS KARADUWA

Nigerian made armored vehicles

Proforce Ara Mine Resistance and Protected (MRAP) Vehicle

proforce ara mrap
Proforce Ara MRAP

The Ara MRAP is a masterpiece showcasing Africa’s ingenuity and technical mastery of advanced warfighting capabilities. This is clearly one of the best Nigerian made weapons available.

Uniquely named ‘Thunder’ due to its perceived aggressive role in a complicated battlefield. First unveiled in August 2017, the Nigerian-made MRAP was even featured in AAD 2016 in a record-breaking development.

This decision to start this project came at a time when the Nigerian military was neck-deep in its war against fanatic Islamic terrorist sect known notoriously as Boko Haram or more informally as ISIS in West Africa (ISWA).

In the IED filled northeastern part of Nigeria where the bitter conflict has been raging for more than six years, the Nigerian military was forced to adapt to the new modus operandi of the terrorists such as the switch from the usage of soft-skinned Toyota pick-up truck to more sturdy and robust foreign-made MRAPS. This necessitates the development of a locally made variant to ease logistics and to standardize the MRAP fleet.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT THE PROFORCE ARA MRAP

Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV)

Although, the IPV isn’t really a new design in Africa, it’s use and development has never been done before.

The Nigerian Army engineers Corp known to be innovative and creative in the face of overwhelming obstacle came up with the IPV to tackle the high-speed high-mobility engagement they usually encounter in the arid desert of the north eastern Nigeria.

The incessant attacks by marauding Cattle herdsmen from the Fulani tribe against farmers and villagers prompt the Nigerian military high-command to look inwards and develop a potent solution at a very cost-effective price. This is an innovative Nigerian made weapons.

Nigerian made Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV)

The Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV) with off-road mobility and a crew of three was one of the star attractions at the summit. Weighing 650kg and powered by 150-200 Horse Power Engine, the IPV has a 130 kilometre per hour capacity.

It provides force multiplier and the required flexibility to undertake all tasks across the entire spectrum of military operations, including range fighting, fast action mission, urban and border patrols.
The IPV is fitted with two machine guns and have been deployed in all the theatres of operation.

READ MORE ABOUT THE IPV

PF 1 Armoured Personnel Carrier

According to Proforce Defense, the new vehicle is the Pf1, built by Nigerian company Proforce Limited. The Pf1is a four wheel drive APC with capacity for ten personnel, including driver and commander, and comes in several variants, including police, APC, combat surveillance, missile carrier, command and control and ambulance, according to Proforce Defence.

The vehicle is armed with a pintle mounted 7.62 machinegun and two banks of 3 x 76 mm grenade launchers. Equipment includes a 4 000 kg winch, CCTV system for all-round observation, public address system and searchlights at the front and rear. This is one of the most formidable Nigerian made weapons available.

READ ALSO:  NNS KARADUWA (P102): Made-in-Nigeria warship, Nigerian Navy's Pride and Joy

Igirigi Armoured Personnel Carrier

Designed and manufactured by the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, the Igirigi APC was first introduced to the media during the 2012 Nigeria Army Day celebrations (NADCEL). Although details on the vehicle is very scarcw howevwer, it can be observed to have a remote control weapons station, and its IED deflecting V shaped hull.

The Igirigi APC has been revised several times. noticeable changes include a relocation of the gun turret. Significant number of the Igirigi are being fielded by the NA which plans to deploy them in large numbers for internal security and COIN but details of the location of manufacture and assembly are still unknown nevertheless, this is still one of the best Nigerian made weapons available.

TY Buratai Combat Vehicle

The TYB ROVER is said to be an initiative of the Commandant Depot NA, Maj Gen VO Ezugwu through the Military Skills and Acquisition Training Programme package in consultation and guidance of the Mechanical Engineering Department ABU Zaria and National Automative Council Abuja. This is one of the most ingenious Nigerian made weapons available.

Innoson Patrol Vehicle

The Nigerian military which has a soft spot for soft skin vehicles has been offer this light patrol vehicle by Innoson Vehicl Manufacturing company. The Nigerian army had already acquired 40 vehicles from the company after it donated three vehicles to the Theatre Command of the Operation Lafiya Dole.

Buratai Overhead Manned Turret (BOMT)

Although ungainly, however, it offers an “all-round protection” according to the Army, weighing one tone, it provides all-round observation with the aid of periscopic sights and the plate thickness can give protection for up to 30 meters. This is one of the most creative Nigerian made weapons available.

The BOMT invention was necessitated by the delivery of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs). The BOMT has been installed on the MRAPs now being used in the Northeast.

Nigerian made drones

Tsaigumi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The new  Tsaigumi UAV was built by the Nigerian Air Force aerospace engineers and was unveiled on February 15th at the Nigerian Air Force Base Kaduna. Tsaigumi means ‘surveillance’ in the local Hausa dialect.

It is a twin-boom UAV spotting a pusher propeller configuration with a high-wing monoplane design. For enhanced aerodynamic stability, it spots a H-type configuration tail section. It is one of the most sophisticated Nigerian made weapons available.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE TSAIGUMI UAV

Amebo Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Credit: Nigerian Air Force

The Amebo drone is used for training Nigeria’s remotely piloted drone operators at the 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna. It also provided valuable insights in aerodynamics during the constyruction of the Gulma UAV.

Gulma Unmanned Aerial vehicle

Credit: Nigerian Air Force

The Gulma UAV was developed as a test bed for the Tsaigumi UAV. It has similar appearance to the Tsaigumi UAV. It has a twin boom configuration and a pusher propeller.

Star Tiltrotor

Nigerian Air Force Hexacopter armed with bomb
Nigerian Air Force Hexacopter armed with a bomb
Credit: Nigerian Air Force

The Star tilt-rotor unmanned aircraft which takes off vertically and can go up to five kilometers for aerial surveillance. It also has aerial bombardment capabilities. Fitted with a 250 kg drop bomb.
This is one of the most innovative Nigerian made weapons available.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE STAR TILTROTOR DRONE

Nigerian Army Helicopter Project

first picture of the nigerian army made helicopter
A software enhanced picture of the Nigerian Army made helicopter

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)
has been given a Presidential marching order to produce made-in-Nigeria helicopters through reverse engineering method. To that regard, the agency has placed order for a Dynali H3 easy flyer sport ultralight helicopter for the purpose of reverse engineering.

CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT THE NIGERIAN ARMY HELICOPTER PROJECT

Aerial Gunpods

Credit: Nigerian Air Force

Each gunpods containing two guns each. The gun was also installed on the Bell 452 helicopter. The helicopter gunpods have been successfully test fired, both in the air and on the ground.

IED Defusing robot


Credit: Nigerian Air Force (AFIT)

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has developed an improved prototype known as UGV-2. These robots were built to replace humans in highly hazardous situations such as handling IED’s and bombs. Another military application is reconnaissance and target acquisitions.

The Nigerian Air Force designed and produced an unmanned ground vehicle following the unfortunate loss of a police sergeant who was in the process of defusing an improved explosive device in Kaduna.

31 mm Rocket System

Credit: Nigerian Air Force

The 30.1mm rockets were successfully tested during the 2017 NAF day celebration in Markurdi. The live warheads has been tested and found satisfactory in times of fragmentation and blast characteristics. It was designed and constructed by NAF Research & Development Centre using locally sourced materials.

Automated Sniper Rifle (ASR)

Designed by Cadet Ebenezer Mojeed, the Automated Sniper Rifle (ASR) which is designed to be mounted on observational post or likely adversary route.The ASR has an optical device which monitor the battlefield.

It allows an operator to view the enemy position and using the controls, can engage and repel the adversary without exposing himself.

About the Author

African Military Blog
The African defense information ecosystem is broken, African Military Blog intends to enact a paradigm shift through providing critical access to industry dataset, magazines, daily news, acquisitions and expert insights.

Be the first to comment on "Nigerian made weapons, a complete list"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Event Archives | African Military Blog

Event

#####EOF##### Schiebel Camcopter S-100 conducts successful flight trials in Nigeria | African Military Blog

Schiebel Camcopter S-100 conducts successful flight trials in Nigeria

TOPICS:
Schiebel Camcopter S-100 conducts successful flight trials in Nigeria
Schiebel Camcopter S-100 conducts successful flight trials in Nigeria

Posted By: E Lionel February 28, 2019

In order to increase security in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the country is exploring the option of incorporating advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in its day to day operations.

To that effect, Schiebel a leading Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAS designer has offered its Camcopter S-100 UAS which is optimized to provide
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance(ISR) missions in an oil and gas production environment.

Hence, Schiebel has just successfully conducted a flight trial of its Camcopter S-100 in the Nigerian Coastal city of Rivers State. Present during the trial is the representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Army, Kongsberg Geospatial and local UAS service provider Aerial Robotix, among others.

The Camcopter S-100 successfully completed a number of day and night flights monitoring pipeline Rights-of-Way (ROW), inspecting oil and gas wellheads/facilities and performing first-line maintenance checks, including detection of leaks and fluid levels of storage tanks.

READ ALSO:  Mi-24N 'Ghost Hind' The beast of North.

The Camcopter was also able to detect various third party illegal activities on the client’s pipeline ROW. Kongsberg Geospatial’s IRIS UAS situational awareness application supported the safe conduct of this Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) operation.

According to Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, he disclosed that: “Monitoring and maintaining remote oil and gas facilities is a challenging and dangerous task that can derive considerable benefits and cost-savings from the use of unmanned systems”

“As a proven and reliable platform, the Camcopter S-100 is perfectly suited for supporting key aspects such as infrastructure inspections, emergency response, security and surveillance.”

Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS)

Schiebel Camcopter S-100 conducts successful flight trials in Nigeria
Schiebel Camcopter S-100 conducts successful flight trials in Nigeria

Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) is a proven VTOL UAS which can operate autonomously day and night, requiring little or no support infrastructure.

It can operate under different weather conditions with a beyond line-of-sight capability out to 200 km/108 nm, overland and sea.

READ ALSO:  Nigerian Air Force builds new Tsaigumi Drone.

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

Be the first to comment on "Schiebel Camcopter S-100 conducts successful flight trials in Nigeria"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Our Partners | African Military Blog

Our Partners

demfas aerosystem uav

#####EOF##### Unmanned Systems Archives | African Military Blog

Unmanned Systems

#####EOF##### Compendium | African Military Blog

Compendium

To be uploaded soon!

Africa’s leading, and most respected defence publications, African Military provides unrivalled reporting and analysis regarding defence technology, procurement trends and ongoing operations. Together with its exclusive Compendium supplements, the magazine gives the global defence community the information it needs to make the right decisions.

Contact us: info@africanmilitaryblog.com

#####EOF##### The Top 10 best Air Force in Africa in 2019 | African Military Blog

The Top 10 best Air Force in Africa in 2019

Posted By: E Lionel December 19, 2017

THE TOP 10 BEST AIR FORCE IN AFRICA 2019

THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.

The top 10 best Air Force in Africa in 2019 can be said to be that which has the most capabilities in all spectrum of aerial warfare. The Air Force is the Aerial Branch of a country’s military. Its role is to conduct air warfare, wrestle control of the skies and achieve air supremacy in a bid to win a military engagement. The Air Force conducts aerial operations which includes air interception, bombing raids, aerial interdiction, patrolling the borders, attacking enemy air and ground troops e.t.c.

Furthermore, the bulk of the Air Forces duties involves mostly “un-glamorous” but highly essential duties like Transportation of troops and materials, aerial refueling, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV, Drones) operations, Spying on the enemy, rescuing downed airmen and crews, artillery observations, early warning flights and many more…

The term “Air Force” may refer to a combination of various aircrafts and rotorcrafts like bombers, fighter jets, helicopters, Trainers, Transport aircraft and others.

Although, some African Air Forces possess their own Surface to Air (SAM) missile defence or Anti-Ballistic missiles and Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA) such as Egypt. However, those are not considered a factor in ranking since accurate data on such assets are usually difficult to access.

Role of the Air Force

The primary role of the Air Force is to protect and defend the a nations territorial integrity against threats both ‘FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC’. Unlike few African countries like Egypt, Algeria, South Africa e.t.c the Air Force is usually relegated to support roles: assisting the Army and Navy. The general role of most African Air Force are listed below:

  • Ground support operations 
  • Close Air Support
  • Reconnaissance
  • Intelligence and Surveillance (ISR) flights
  • Maritime & Border Patrol
  • Training and Indoctrination
  • Air Defense
  • Military Transport
  • Civil support
  • Search and Rescue

AIR TO AIR BATTLES

Air to Air battles also known as Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM or Dogfighting) is the process of moving and turning tactically in the air to achieve a decisive advantage over an opponent. There have been few air to air battle incidents in Africa. Most African countries lack the combat experience in Dog-fighting.

Few actual air battles that has taken place in Africa includes:

  • Itallian Invasion of Egypt (Egypt vs Italy)
  • Second Battle of El Alamein (South Africa Vs Germany)
  • Operation Ironclad in Madagasca (SAAF VS Germany)
  • Border War (South Africa Vs Angola)
  • Toyota War (Libya vs Chad)
  • Boko Haram War (Nigeria Vs Chad)
  • Ethiopian-Somali War
  • Ethiopian-Eritrean War

South African Air Force has the notable distinction of dropping the first and last bomb in Africa during World War II.

Manpower

The personnel involved in the smooth running of an Air Force are not just pilots and airmen, there are also a significant number of people involved which supports the Air Force and are relied upon. Such personnel include Maintenance, weapons loaders, base defense, security, logistics, intelligence, Special Operations, Cyber Space support, medicals and others.

What makes a good Air Force? There are necessary factors that an Air Force must possess to enable it fulfill its role, this factors would be used to rank the contenders. The criteria used for ranking this list the of top 10 best Air Force in African 2019 includes:

  1. Combat experience
  2. Equipment
  3. Training

Please note that all other aerial branches of the military which posses aerial platforms such as Army Air Corps, Naval Aviation, Civil Aviation, Coast Guard Air Search and Rescue, Health Service, Fire Service are not listed UNLESS THEY PARTAKE IN ACTUAL COMBAT.

READ ALSO:  Top 10 Best Army In Africa 2019

Combat Experience: This is the amount of time the Air Force has undertaking aerial actions against other enemy air units. Combat experience is highly important for any military branch since military dexterity is usually measured through previous battle achievements. Most professional airmen would tell you that real combat breeds confidence. Combat experience which some call ‘baptism of fire’ builds trust among airmen.

The lessons learnt during actual aerial warfare (against foreign opponents) is invaluable in combat operations.— African Military Blog

Equipment: As the saying goes, ‘you are only as good as your weapon’. The primary equipment of an Air Force is its fighter jets, bombers, UAVs and Helicopters. Although, having superior fighter jets does not necessarily means superior Air Force rating, since other factors determine victory in aerial warfare such as:

  • Presence of ground support systems like (Radar, Air Defence systems -ADS).
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Airbourne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)

Training: If you train hard, you fight Easy. — Nigerian Army 72nd Army Special force Infantry.

Training: is very important in a military. You cannot really fight  without training properly. Training enhances synergy between various units of Air Force. It helps build troops moral and confidence. There are various type of training such as Ab Initio, Basic, Advanced and Fast Jet training.

No 10) Ethiopian Air Force
THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.


 The 1998 war with Eritrea provided enough combat experience to learn from for many years. However, Equipment serviceability is questionable and it’s troops loyalty is usually in doubt. However, the Ethiopian Air Force makes the list the  top 10 best Air Force in African 2019.

Gugsa Wale’s Rebellion
Second Italo-Abyssinian War
Ethiopian Civil War
Ethiopian-Somali War
Ethiopian-Eritrean War

Aircraft: 80 aircraft

Fighter/Attack 48 units:
Su-25 FrogFoot, MiG-21, MiG-23, Su-27

Helicopter(s) 33 units:
Mil Mi-24 Hind, Mil Mi-8, Mil-Mi-6

 Transport Aircraft: 34 units
Trainer aircraft: 14 units
Personnel: 3,000
Defense Budget (2012): $340,000,000 (0.8% GDP)

No 9) Tunisian Air Force

THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.


 A very proud force but quite small force in North African standard. However, it’s aircraft fleet is focused more on air-defense. The Tunisian Air Force 148 aircraft fleet puts it in the list the  top 10 best Air Force in African 2019.

Engagements:
War on Terror

Aircraft: 148 aircraft

Fighter/Attack- 30 units:
Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II, Aero L-59T Super Albatros

Helicopter(s) 83 units:
– SA-341 10
– HH-3 10
– Agusta-Bell AB-205A 15
– AS-350B 6
– AS-365 1
– SA-313 6
– SA-316 3
– UH-1H 29
– UH-1N 2
– Agusta-Bell AB-412 4

THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.

Transport Aircraft: 89 units
Trainer aircraft: 40 units
Personnel: 3,000
Defense Budget (2012): $746,000,000 (3.% GDP)
SIPRI.org

No 8) Nigerian Air Force (NAF)

THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.


 The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is at its lowest posture in terms of air combat capability. Although, it does possesses certain critical skills in other tactical areas like drone operations and airmen welfare. The Dassault Alpha jet trainers configured for combat are currently it’s workhorse. Some new aircraft are expected to arrive soon.

The NAFs focus on various non-combat aspect makes the list the  top 10 best Air Force in African 2019.

STRENGTHS

  • High troops moral
  • Excellent ground attack experience
  • Airmen welfare
READ ALSO:  Tunisia receives eight UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters

WEAKNESSES

  • Lack of capable modern fighters
  • Little or no sound policy making
  • Insufficient attack helicopter fleet

Engagements:
Nigerian Civil War
Liberian Civil War
Sierra Leone Civil War
Niger Delta conflict
Invasion of the Gambia
Northern Mali War
Boko Haram War

 Total Aircraft: 110 aircraft

Fighter/Attack 31 units:
Dassault Alpha Jet, Aero L-39, CH-3 UCAV, Chengdu F-7

THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.

Helicopter(s) 39 units:
Mil Mi-24/35 Hind, Mil Mi-17sh, Agusta Westland AS 332, AW 101, AW 139, AW 109
Transport Aircraft: 53 units
Trainer aircraft: 40 units
Personnel: 25,000
Defense Budget (2012): $2,100,000,000 (1% GDP)
SIPRI.org

No 7) Ugandan Air Force

THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.


 It’s ambitious aircraft acquisitions in recent years has engraved it’s name as one of the most powerful Air Force in Africa. However, Aircraft availability and sufficiency remains a problem. However, the Ugandan Air Force still makes the list the  top 10 best Air Force in African 2019.

Engagements:
South Sudan War I & II
Various Peace-Keeping operations (e.g AMISOM)
Somalian Civil War
Operation Desert Storm
Ugandan-Tanzania War
Operation Entebbe (Israeli attack)
Ugandan Bush War
Six-Day War (Uganda Vs Rwanda)

Total Aircraft: 53 units

Fighter/Attack 23 units:
MiG-21, Sukhoi Su-30

THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.

Helicopter(s) 21 units:
Bell 206, Huey II, Mil Mi-24, Mil Mi-17
Transport Aircraft: 52 units
Trainer Aircraft: 10 units
Personnel: 50,000
Defense Budget (2012): $250,600,000 (1.3% GDP)

No 6) Angolan Air Force (FANA)

THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.


 With Soviet and Cuban help, this Air Force has gone through brutal war which has hardened it’s stance. It’s aircraft fleets is currently the envy of many countries in Africa. It is a direct competitor to South African Air Force and constantly challenges its dominance.

Engagements:
Angolan Civil War
Congo Crises

THE BEST AND MOST POWERFUL AIR FORCE IN AFRICA TODAY.

Total Aircraft: 285-348 units:

 Fighter/Attack 138 units:
Sukhoi Su-30k, Su-27, Su-22, Mikoyan MiG-23, MiG-21

Helicopter(s) 118 units:
Agusta Westland AW 139, AW 109, Aerospatiale Gazelle, Mil Mi-24 Hind, Mi-8, Bell 212, Aloutte III
Transport Aircraft: 128 units
Trainer Aircraft: 48 units
Personnel: –
Defense Budget (2012): $3,827,000,000 (3.5% GDP)

No 5) Sudanese Air Force

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today


Linked to several high-profile defence acquisition deals, the Sudanese Air Force is truly a force to reckon with in Africa. It possesses modern fighter jets. Although, its quite secretive in it’s aerial operations despite that, the Sudanese Air Force still makes the list the  top 10 best Air Force in African 2019.

 Engagements:
Darfar War
War in Yemen
Sudanese Civil War (First and Second)
Heglig Crises

Total Aircraft: 246 units

Fighter/Attack 138 units:
Mikoyan MiG-23, MiG-21, MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-35, Su-25, Su-24, Nanchang Q-5, Chengdu J-7, Shenyang J-5, Hongdu JL-9

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today


 Helicopter(s) 108 units:
Mil Mi-24, Mil Mi-8, IAR 330, PZL MI-2, Bell 212,Bell UH-1
Transport Aircraft: 52 units
Trainer Aircraft: 12 units
Personnel: –
Defense Budget: –

 No 4) Royal Moroccan Air Force

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today


 The Moroccan Air Force is focused on Aerial Defense and it’s F-16s are configured for long range attacks. It’s numerous Military Exercises (MilEx) with major countries like U.S.A, France and U.A.E provides valuable realistic combat training to imprint its name in the list the  top 10 best Air Force in African 2019.

Engagements:
Sand War
Six-Day War
Yom Kippur War
Western Sahara War
Anti-ISIS war
War in Yemen

Total Aircraft: 278 units

Fighter/Attack 96 units:
Lockheed Martins F-16, Dassault Mirage F-1, Dassault Alpha Jet, F-5 Tiger

 Electronic Warfare:
Dassault Falcon 20

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today

Helicopter(s) 128 units:
Aerospatial SA 342 Gazelle, Aerospatial SA 330 Puma,Bell AB 205, Boeing CH-47 Chinook

 Transport Aircraft: 158 units
Trainer Aircraft: 80 units
Personnel: 13,500
Defense Budget (2012): $3,582,000,000 (3.5% GDP)

READ ALSO:  Algerian military to buy Russian Su-34 Fullback fighter bomber

No 3) South African Air Force

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today


 The South African Air Force (SAAF) is centered around it’s SAAB JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter jets which is the workhorse of the fleet. South Africa has the unique distinction of being one of the oldest Air Force in Africa. The country produces most of it’s weapons. No doubt, the SAAF makes the list the  top 10 best Air Force in African 2019.

STRENGTH

  • Excellent fighter training
  • Combat experience
  • Electronic Warfare

WEAKNESSES

  • Little Government support
  • Pilot shortages
  • Massive defense budget cuts

Engagements:
World War I
World War II
Korean War
Rhodesian Bush War
Mozambican Civil War
South African Border War
Operation Boleas
Battle of Bangui
M23 Rebellion
ADF Insurgency

Total Aircraft: 226 units

Fighter/Attack 47 units:
SAAB JAS 39 Gripen, BAE Hawk

Electronic Warfare:
Oryx EW, C-47TP ELINT

Helicopter(s) 95 units:
Rooivalk, Oryx, Agusta A109, Lynx 300

CLICK TO READ ABOUT: Rooivalk 

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today

Transport Aircraft: 109 units
Trainer Aircraft: 88 units
Personnel: 11,000 Active Servicemen, 1,000 Reserve
Defense Budget (2012): $4,785,000,000 (1.1% GDP)

No 2) Algerian Air Force

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today


 The Algerian Air Force is modernizing it’s fleet at an aggressive pace. It has over the years acquired numerous capable fighters and Surface-to-Air Missiles systems to fully secure it’s skies, making it one of the  top 10 best Air Force in African 2019.

STRENGTHS
Modern aerial platforms
High defense budget
High aircraft maintenance ratio

WEAKNESSES
Low combat experience

Engagements:
Algerian War
FFS Rebellion
Sand War
October War
Western Sahara War
Algerian Civil War
Insurgency in the Maghreb

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today

Total Aircraft: 502 units

Fighter/Attack 187 units:
Sukhoi Su-24, MiG-29, Su-30, Mikoyan MiG-25, Yak-130

Helicopter(s) 257 units:
Mil Mi-24 Hind, Mi-28 Havoc, Bell 412, PZL Mi-2, Mil Mi-8, Mil Mi-26, Kamov Ka-27, Eurocopter AS355, Agusta Westland AS355, AW139

Transport Aircraft: 266 units
Trainer Aircraft: 68 units
Personnel: 14,000
Defense Budget (2012): $9,104,000,000 (4.5% GDP)

No 1) Egypt Air Force

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today


 The Egyptian Air Force is  the best and most powerful Air Force in Africa. It is very large in African standard, having more aircraft than the next four (4) Air Forces combined. The EAF is undoubtably the best Air Force in African 2019.

STRENGTHS
Quality fighter jets
Sufficient numbers of aircraft
Combat experience

 WEAKNESSES
Mismatched aircraft fleet
Outdated fighter jets in service

Engagements:
1948 Arab-Israeli War
Suez Crises
North Yemen Civil War
Six-Day War
Nigerian Civil War
War of Attrition
Yom Kippur War
Shaba I
Libyan-Egyptian War
Sinai Insurgency
Second Libyan Civil War
Yemen War

Total Aircraft: 1,200 units

Fighter/Attack 764 units:

The Top best and most powerful Air Force in Africa today

Lockheed Martins F-16, Dassault Rafale, Alpha Jet, Aero L-59, Aero L-39, Mirage 2000, Mirage 5, Chengdu F-7, Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21, F-4 Phantom, CAIG Wing Loong UCAV, CH-4B

Electronic Warfare & AEW&C:
E-2HE2K, Beechcraft 1900, C-130, Commando MK.2E, Mil Mi-8, CAIG Wing Loong, CH-4B

Helicopter(s) 257 units:
AH-64 Apache, Mil Mi-28 Havoc, Aerospatial Gazelle SA-342, Kamov Ka-50, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, SH-2G Super SeaSprite, Sikorsky UH-60, Westland SeaKing, AgustaWestland AW109, AW139

Transport Aircraft: 266 units
Trainer Aircraft: 384 units
Personnel: 50,000 (30,000 Active Servicemen, 20,000 Reserve)
Defense Budget (2014): $4.4 billion (3% GDP) plus $1.2 Billion US defence assistance

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

4 Comments on "The Top 10 best Air Force in Africa in 2019"

  2. joshua | March 21, 2018 at 3:47 pm | Reply

    excellent analysis

  4. Unknown | April 15, 2018 at 2:03 pm | Reply

    Part on South Africa is just nonsense. Listing combat experience as one of their strengths is just ridiculous, where and when did they get that experience, from bombing a couple helpless rebels? Put them against the Moroccan air force and they would never survive. The Moroccan air force has twice the fighter jets, real combat experience, has a lot of training hours in Morocco and participated in many exercises with advanced air forces from around the world and an abundance in highly trained pilots.

  6. Unknown | April 15, 2018 at 2:05 pm | Reply

    We need a common defense strategy, for the whole of Africa. Imagine if what ECOWAS does is done on African level, root out rebels, strengthen common defense industry etc. Let someone then come and talk of Africa as a weak continent. Greetings to all Africans from Morocco.

  8. African Military Blog | April 18, 2018 at 7:50 am | Reply

    The Moroccan Air Force was established in 1956. Since it establishment, there have never been any known or confirmed air to air kill in history. None. Even in Yom Kippur where it deployed F5 Tiger jets.
    ……

    Meanwhile, the SAAF was established in 1920, it is one of the oldest air force in Africa.

    The service saw action in World War I
    World War II
    Korean War
    Angolan War.(SAAF shot down multiple MIGs.

    In all engagement the SAAF made numerous kills. Most notably in WWII the SAAF bombers continually harassed retreating forces towards the Tunisian border after the Second Battle of El Alamein; the South African fighters of No. 223 Wing RAF helped the Desert Air Force gain air superiority over Axis air forces. Between April 1941 and May 1943, the eleven SAAF squadrons [c] flew 33,991 sorties and destroyed 342 enemy aircraft.

    Some SAAF squadrons served with the Balkan Air Force in operations over Hungary,
    Romania and Albania.

    In 1944 SAAF'S 2nd Wing supported British operations to liberate Greece and suppress the communist coup.

    Also in 1944 A SAAF detachment took part in the Franco-American invasion of southern France.

    Having all the equipment without experience to back it up is pointless.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### The Cameroonian Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR) received the French-made ACMAT fortress Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) | African Military Blog

The Cameroonian Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR) received the French-made ACMAT fortress Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC)

TOPICS:

Posted By: African Military Blog June 6, 2018

The Camerroonian Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR) are now equipped with the French-made ACMAT fortress Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC). The new vehicles are being fielded at Salak, the headquarters of Operation Alpha, the elite force’s deployment in the Far North Region.

The ACMAT APC are part of a 2015 62-vehicle order for Cameroon, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tunisia, and Uganda by the US Department of Defense (DoD). They were subsequently renamed Cyclones in the BIR service with fifteen units delivered in early 2017.

The Cameroonian version are more powerful in the area of self-defense, they are fitted with improved add-on armor mounted on both sides of the hull and also enhanced bullet-resistant windows.

Formerly known as Bastion HM, the Fortress is a development of the ACMAT Bastion APC. The vehicle weighs 14.5 tones, independent suspension and are armed with a General Purpose Machine Gun.

READ ALSO:  Army Day celebration 2018: Nigeria commissions 10 Proforce Ara MRAP, unveils homemade helicopter project

About the Author

African Military Blog
The African defense information ecosystem is broken, African Military Blog intends to enact a paradigm shift through providing critical access to industry dataset, magazines, daily news, acquisitions and expert insights.

Be the first to comment on "The Cameroonian Rapid Intervention Battalions (BIR) received the French-made ACMAT fortress Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC)"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### CSIR unveils armoured vehicles surveillance system | African Military Blog

CSIR unveils armoured vehicles surveillance system

TOPICS:
csir logo

Posted By: Sarah Lesedi February 16, 2019

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a panoramic 360 degree Wide Area Surveillance System which would give armoured vehicle crews enhanced situational awareness, whilst allowing them to remain safely under armour.

The wide area surveillance system provides a 360 degree view of the scene around a vehicle as well as the locations of threats or targets in combat situations whilst the gunner, driver and commander are safe inside their armoured vehicle.

The system allows for the elimination of windows, which are often the weakest point in armour and, according to the CSIR, almost allow the crew to see through metal.

The system can operate by day and night on both land and on maritime vessels.

The surveillance system uses proprietary camera calibration techniques and stitching algorithms to fuse data into the output view. The calibrated cameras compensate for wide-angle lens distortion that occurs in standard camera visuals and procures a panoramic real-time stitch of the scene that is geometrically accurate.

READ ALSO:  CSIR developing UAV gas turbine engine

Overlapping adjacent views can be stitched together to create a high-resolution, wide field of view image. Overlapping visual and thermal frames can also be fused into a visual/thermal composite output.


The wide area surveillance system provides a 360 degree view of the scene around a vehicle (CSIR)

Algorithms used in the stitching of images are patented and part of the novel camera calibration that is part of what distinguishes the CSIR product from similar offerings, the Council said.

Regarding applications, the CSIR said the main users would be the army and for maritime users it provides 360 degree day and night optical surveillance that complements radar for detecting wooden pirate boats and other surface threats, thereby eliminating close range blind spots around large vessels.

The system would also be of value to operators of cash-in-transit services for improved situational awareness around vehicles without adversely compromising the protection offered by vehicle armour.

The CSIR is looking for partners to industrialise the system and is also aiming at the South African military – the South African Army’s future Badger infantry combat vehicle, for example, uses several different cameras rather than a single panoramic one and could be a good candidate for the vehicle.

READ ALSO:  How a South African Army Medic saved countless lives even though he was mortally wounded. (Cpl. Lucas Majozi DCM)

Source

About the Author

Sarah Lesedi
Defense technological enthusiasts, African lover. Chief Chronicler at Sarah Lesedi blog.

Be the first to comment on "CSIR unveils armoured vehicles surveillance system"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Top 10 Series Archives | African Military Blog

Top 10 Series

#####EOF##### Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 | African Military Blog

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019

TOPICS:
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa

Posted By: African Military Blog January 31, 2019

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 can be said to be the most accomplished military unit with exceptional combat record, training, and equipment. The Special Force branch of a country is usually the tip of the spear, trained to conduct the most difficult and challenging aspect of military operations.

A country’s Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are ususally called upon to achieve a military objective in scenerious where conventional military units cannot realistically handle. employment of Special Forces even in tactical levels can affect the overall strategic outcome of a war.

The Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa are usually highly-trained, well-equipped, organized, reticent. In order to maintain their optimum combat performance, SF/SOFs are specially designated and they employ unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment. This years Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa would look at the very best Africa has to offer.

Historical Context of Special Forces in Africa

Special Forces, as they would come to be recognized, emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War.

In 1940, the British Commandos were formed following Winston Churchill’s call for “specially trained troops of the hunter class, who can develop a reign of terror down the enemy coast.” A staff officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clarke, had already submitted such a proposal to General Sir John Dill, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Dill, aware of Churchill’s intentions, approved Clarke’s proposal and on 23 June 1940, the first Commando raid took place.

Role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces

The role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces is predominantly dependent on the country, Special Forces and Special Operations Forces may perform a wide variety of duties and functions which consists of (but not limited to);

  • Unconventional/Asymmetrical warfare.
  • Airborne operations
  • Counter-insurgency and Counter-terrorism (COIN/CT)
  • Foreign and Internal defense
  • Covert operations
  • Direct action (alongside regular troops)
  • Hostage rescue
  • High-value targets kill/capture (HVTK/C)
  • Manhunt
  • Intelligence operations
  • Mobility operations
  • Sabotage and demolition

Special Forces in Africa

The Top 10 Best Special Force in Africa 2019 are:

1. Egyptian Army Unit 777

Role: Hostage Rescue, Assassination, Sabotage

Egyptian Army Unit 777

The Egyptian Army Unit 777 is also referred to as Task Force 777. The Unit 777 is primarily tasked to conduct Special operations and Counter Terrorism operations within Egypt and around its sphere of interest.

Unit 777 was established in 1978 following a disastrous Egyptian commando raid in Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus in response to the hijacking of a Cyprus Air passenger aircraft by terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). During the raid, Cyprus security forces mistaken the Egyptian Commandos for terrorists as they approached the tarmac and opened fire on them killing 15 members out of the 79 member commando team.

Subsequently, Unit 777 was later called into action after three armed terrorists from the Abd Al-Nasir Movement hijacked the EgyptAir Flight 321 heading to Luxor. After a brief negotiation with the terrorists, two Unit 777 operatives disguised as maintenance workers went inside the aircraft and neutralized the terrorists with no loss to the passengers. With such capabilities, the Unit 777 is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa .

Unit 777 is a division of the Sa’ka forces, an elite Egyptian military commando force. Unit 777 is currently engaged in anti-terror operations in the Sinai region. Its previous engagements includes:

  • Operation Badr (1973)
  • Shdwan Battle
  • Battle of Ismailia
  • EgyptAir Flight 321
  • Operation Sinai
  • Operation Martyr’s Right

2. South African Special Forces Brigade

Role: Direct action, Manhunt, Reconnaissance

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training
South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training

South African Special Forces Brigade also known as the Recce, it specializing in long-range combat reconnaissance as well as unconventional airborne operations.

The South African Special Forces Brigade was formed from the then Hunter Group mainly for counter-insurgency operation within the South African Army. In 1970, the success of the South African Special Forces Brigade brought about five other reconnaissance units, later referred to as the “Recces”.

The South African Special Forces Brigade has undergone several broad restructuring. Presently, the South African Special Forces Brigade has the unique distiction of not being part of the South African Army or the South African Navy as is the practice in similar special forces structure worldwide, it is directly under the command of the Joint Operations Division.

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operator

The South African Special Forces selection process sometimes called ‘The Ultimate Challenge‘ is regarded as one of the most difficult special forces selection courses in the world

As matter of pride and bravery, the Recce always the first unit into any combat and the last one’s out of the conflict zone. As their motto rightly explains: WE FEAR NAUGHT BUT GOD

During the Border/Bush War, F Zeelie was the first person killed, while H. Carstens was also the last person killed in the Border/Bush War. Both operators were from the of the 1st Recce.

The Recce undertook several daring missions during the Bush War with Angola, some more prominent missions includes Operation Mebos, Operation Askari and the controversial Operation Argon. In Operation Askari, a few South African Special Forces soldiers entered Angola in order to disrupt the logistical support and command & control capabilities of PLAN. Operation Askari prevented a planned large-scale invasion of the SouthWestern Africa by the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).

More recently, An operator of the South African Special Forces made the 7th longest recorded sniper kill in history with a confirmed distance of 2,125 m (2,324 yd) using a South African-made 14.5 mm Denel NTW-20 anti-materiel rifle during operations as part of the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade. Which is why the SANDF Special Force Brigade is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

SANDF Special Forces Organigram
SANDF Special Forces Organogram

The South African Special Forces Brigade (Recce) has taken part in various engagements which are;

  • South African Border War
  • Rhodesian Bush War
  • Angolan Civil War
  • Mozambican Civil War
  • Séléka rebellion
  • M23 rebellion
READ ALSO:  Top 10 best navy in Africa 2019

3. Algerian Army Special Intervention Group

Role: Hostage rescue, Direct action, Counter Terrorism

Algerian Special Intervention Group
Algerian Special Intervention Group operator

The Algerian Special Intervention Group also known as the Groupe d’Intervention Spécial (GIS) in French has long been one of Africa’s most-feared special forces. Better known in Algeria as the ‘Ninjas.’ Mainly skilled in Counter-terrorism and Hostage Rescue.

They have a reputation for cold-blooded ruthlessness, often times killing both the terrorists and hostages in order to deter would-be terrorists from using hostages as a bargaining chip.

Since 1987, The Special Intervention Group (GIS) forces have been the bulwark between Algeria and rampaging violent Islamic militants. For many years, Algeria has been in a brutal tug-of-war with domestic Islamist extremists coupled with the ever troublesome border areas with neighbors including Libya and Mali, and also the fact that Algeria is actively supporting the Western Saharan independence movement the Polisario Front.

A controversial incident occurred on 16 January 2013 in a gas facility near In Amenas, Algeria. An Algerian gas field operated jointly by Sonatrach, an Algerian state-owned company, British firm BP and the Norwegian firm Statoil. The gas field supplies 10% of Algeria’s natural gas production, a vital asset to Algerian survival.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

al-Qaeda-linked terrorists affiliated with a brigade led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar attacked the oil installation, demanding an end to French military operations against Islamists in northern Mali, in return for the safety of the hostages. According to U.S. officials, in the over 800 hostages, 132 were foreign nationals including British, French, Japanese etc.

The terrorists tied explosive cords around some of the captives, after four days of gruesome waiting, in a daring attempt the Algerian Special Intervention Group -GIS raided the oil facility using helicopter gunships and heavy weapons, in an effort to free the hostages. As a result, 39 foreign hostages from nine different countries lost their lives however, a total of 685 Algerian workers and 107 foreigners were freed while 39 terrorist were killed. Three surviving terrorists were also apprehended, making the Algerian Special Intervention Group on of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

During the siege, the Algerian communications minister, Mohamed Said Belaid, said that “The objective is clear: to destabilize Algeria.” and that the terrorists wanted “to destroy the national economy” and the state, he further announced that “there would be no negotiations or blackmail” and Algeria would be “relentless in the fight against terrorists“.

The rescue operation brought a bittersweet response from the international community. Several Western countries complained about Algeria’s failure to minimize casualties while some praised the decision by Algerian special forces to storm the site on time. According to Anouar Boukhars of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, that “Algerians are jealous of their sovereignty”, which fits with their general pattern of acting independently, and a policy of no negotiation with terrorists.

In retrospect, soldiers from the GIS are taught the fierce art of the Japanese Ju-Jitsu and the ancient Korean Kuk Sool Won art, but in a purely practical military aspect. The Algerian ancient training regime have been copied by various special operations forces globally. As a testament to their fighting art, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) recommended that the Algerian Special Intervention Group be used as a template by several European and African countries.

4. Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Role: Tactical operations, Hostage rescue, VIP protection

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS) operator

Definitely one of the most highly trained and well equipped Special Forces in the world. The Tunisian Army Special Forces Group is widely know for its use of the most sophisticated infantry weapons available globally. Their main mission is the protection of the Tunisian national territory and to deter any attempt of foreign aggression.

As a testament to their training, the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group have not failed in any assigned task and has contributed immensely in foiling terrorist attacks. They are also trained to handle heavy weapons, this unit as the whole army suffered from marginalization on the part of the old regime.

This mask wearing Tunisian Army Special Forces Group or Groupe des Forces Spéciales (GFS) in Spanish has been on the frontiers defending Tunisia from being overrun by terrorists. They are trained to defend the homeland and to intervene in a cold-blooded manner to protect human lives.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Since the 2011 Arab-spring, Tunisia has been confronted by an ever-increasing terrorism and militant insurgency which has been responsible for the deaths of dozens of soldiers, police, civilians and foreign tourists.

Furthermore, Tunisia has been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked and killed 12 Presidential Intervention Group (a sister Special Operations Forces unit) in Tunis.

In March 2016, Islamic State, which has been taking advantage of the raging Libyan Civil War in the neighboring country to recruit soldiers and increase its strength, began a series of tactical offensive into the Tunisian town of Ben Guerdane.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

During the attack, about 50 Islamic State militants launched a dawn attack on army and police posts, The Tunisian Defense Minister quickly deployed the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group which immediately counter-attacked and killed 36 of the attackers.

READ ALSO:  Top 10 Best Main Battle Tank in the world

After the successful operations, the Tunisian governments began considering air strikes and special forces operations against the group in neighboring Libya, confirming their the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

5. Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS)

Role: Maritime security, Direct action, Hostage rescue


A Tavor wielding Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) soldier wearing a MARPAT (short for Marine pattern) digital camouflage pattern and skull balaclava

The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service is one of the best special forces units in Africa. This elite antiterrorism unit was created by the Nigerian Government in 2006. Highly qualified for the full-spectrum of all special Operations in any terrain or weather. They are considered the very best in this region.

The NNSBS was modeled after the celebrated British crack unit, the SBS. This little-known unit has been on the forefront of the fight against maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service has also been deployed in several internal security duties especially against the notorious Boko Haram sect and Niger Delta militants.

  • Nigerian special forces conduct a mock casualty evacuation (REUTERS/Emmanuel Braun)

In 2011, during a training in Senegal together with Army Amphibious Forces, US Marines and Senegalese Marines, the NNSBS were praised for their dexterity in small boat operations and littoral warfare which the Americans attributed to years of fighting militants in the Niger Delta creeks.

As a sign of their combat prowess, in August 2016 a distressed call was made to the Naval Regional Maritime Awareness Centre (RMAC) through the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), about a pirate hijack on a British-flagged vessel, ‘MT VECTIS OSPREY.’ Following the swift deployment of a naval patrol ship NNS NWAMBA to the scene, NNSBS operatives quickly engaged the pirates who were about boarding the vessel. Resulting in the rescue of all the crew members without any casualty, making the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

In 2017, during the ECOWAS military intervention in the Gambia, the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service were amongst the first units to enter the country, providing VIP protection for the Gambian Presidency.

The duties of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service includes Naval intelligence, Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency (CTCOIN), enforcing maritime security, anti-piracy, littoral operation and facilities/VIP protection.

The SBS operatives were actively involved in Operation PULO-SHIELD in Niger Delta, Operation SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State, Operation RESTORE ORDER in Kano State, Operation IRON FENCE 2 in Kogi State and Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA in the North East. The SBS elements are currently involved in Operation LAFIA DOLE in the North East and SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State. 

6. Tunisian National Guard Special Unit

Role: Hostage rescue, Counter-Terrorism, Direct action

Tunisian National Guard Special Force trooper

The Tunisian National Guard Special Unit, commonly abbreviated USGN or Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale in French is one of the most elite special forces unit and also one of the finest and most formidable special warfare combat unit in the North African and Middle-Eastern region.

Directly under the control of the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior, the USGN is officially based in Bir Bouregba. This unit recruits its members of the National Guard directly and train them independently.

The USGN specializes in special operations such as counter-terrorism, Hostage rescue, as well as reconnaissance and raid behind enemy lines. Their main mission is to intervention within Tunisian territory, especially in non-urban areas (mountains, forests, beaches, deserts). The USGN is structured on the model of American Navy Seals with which it has a sustained collaboration.

The unit serves as the Tunisian governments premier counter-terrorism unit, providing a tactical resolution in hostage and high-risk law enforcement situations. This rather small albeit highly specialized special operations force was established in the early 1980s, and is based in Hammamet.

In January 2018, Tunisian National Guard Special Unit killed a senior member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI) who was wanted by Algeria since 1993.

In more recent time, the USGN has been involved in several training missions outside the country, in cooperation with the United States Delta Force and other special forces from European countries.

In 1985, the USGN was invited to Austria by the Einsatzkommando-Cobra (EKO Cobra) to participate in international special force exercise, attended by several international elite forces like the EKO COBRA GSG-9, French GIGN and United States Delta force. The USGN came fourth all exercises and also ranked number one special force in Arab and Africa, as well as sixth in the world after the United States, Russia, Britain, France. This reinstates their position as one of Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

7. Nigerian Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF)

Role: Counter-Terrorism, Direct action, VIP protection

With a gung-ho attitude towards adversity, the Armed forces Special Forces (AFSF) are one of the most elite personnel in the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, they consist of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force Regiment and the Department of State security personnel (DSS).


Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces Sniper Unit stand in their ghillie suits at the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) military demonstration held at General Ao Azazi barracks in Gwagwalada on April 17, 2018.

Trained in Nigerian Special Forces Training Institutions and also underwent CT/COIN training in Belarus, an Eastern European.

In 2017, 26 officers and 440 soldiers of the unit also underwent training in Pakistan, under the Special Services Group (SSG), the Pakistani Army’s SSG, famous in the international military community for their successful CT/COIN operations in Afghanistan and the northwest regions of Pakistan.

Over there, the AFSF troops trained at Tarbella, home of the SSG’s elite counter-terrorist unit, the Zararr Battalion. Since their commissioning, They are deployed to almost all troubled area in Northern Nigeria. Their duties are mainly Direct action alongside regular troops, HVT’s hunt and capture, Quick Response in tactical situation (QRF) and VIP protection.

READ ALSO:  Are Private Military Companies the solution to Africa's insecurity problem?

The AFSF are kitted with the most advanced and exotic weaponry and gadget unlike regular infantry soldiers. They have consistently been on the war-front since 2016, battling the Boko Haram insurgent group as well as the various armed groups and bandits in the Sahara. The AFSF is clearly on the position of being the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

On account of their known doggedness and insistence on pursuing, even hunting the insurgents, Boko Haram commanders often issue warnings to their fighters to avoid engaging with the AFSF. Confirming their position as Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The AFSF, now with a reputation for being a scourge of Boko Haram, participated in the recapture of Bama, Baga, Damboa, Marte, Kangarwa and more. The AFSF commandos are “always leading the way”. In one operation, their vehicle was hit and disabled by a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but the AFSF Commandos simply jumped onto new vehicles and completed their mission.

8. Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR)

Role: Counter-Insurgency, Close Target Reconnaissance, Asymmetric Warfare

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR), is made up of the Rangers Strike Force identified as 40 RSF and Special Forces (SF) known as 30S. Both the Ranger Strike Force (RSF) and the Special Force (SF) were relatively unknown until their deployment to Somalia for Operation Linda Nchi was launched.

The Rangers Strike Force takes 63 days to train while the training for Special Forces lasts for six months. One of the major differences between the two is that Rangers are trained by Americans and the Special Forces by the British.

During a recent joint training with Jordan’s Quick Reaction Force, the Jordanians were surprised by the Kenyans’ superior skills.

The Kenyan Special Force (SF) has mostly been involved in reconnaissance and infiltration missions behind enemy lines while Rangers are being used as fighters strike force.


  • Military personnel mobilize on September 21, 2013 outside an upmarket shopping mall in Nairobi, where suspected terrorists engaged Kenyan security forces in a drawn out gun fight. AFP PHOTO / Tony KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images

In the battle for Kismayu, code-named Operation Sledge Hammer, a team of Kenyan special forces, spearheaded the vanguard unit of an amphibious assault operation, quickly secured the landing zone and captured the port city with no casualty.

Their performance at the war front was so brilliant that President Mwai Kibaki, during the recent Jamhuri Day celebrations, and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, rewarded a number of the outstanding fighters with the Silver Star, one of Kenya’s highest awards. Making the Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment has been used very aggressively over the past five years. They have been actively engaged in Somalia the past several years. The SOR operators are highly trained, experts in special operations, and well-equipped. The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR) are without a doubt, one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

9. Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGR)

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group or the Groupe d’Intérvention de La Gendarmerie Royale (GIGR) in Spanish is an elite Special Force regiment within the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie, specially trained for special operations within Morocco.

This special force group is composed of several combat units including a Commando Group of the Guard, an airborne assault battalion, a mountain infantry battalion and a Rapid Intervention group (GIR) amongst others.

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is a highly secretive group, in charge of maintaining public order. They are viewed as the main pillar in the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. The GIGR is undoubtedly one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

They spearhead most major military operations in Morocco and the environs, confirming its status as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

During the 2017 Operation Flintlock held in Tifnit, Morocco, the US Military Information Support Operations (MISO) instructors were duly impressed with the quality of the Moroccan operators they have been tasked with training, commenting on their adaptability. The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is still one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

10. Tunisian Anti-Terrorism Brigade (BAT)

Role: SWAT, Hostage rescue, VIP Protection

Commonly called the ‘Black Tigers’ in Tunisia, this elite Special Operations unit is one of the best-trained and most formidable units a North Africa can boast of. Basically a Tunisian National SWAT, and one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The BAT is the elite of the Tunisian National Police, under the Ministry of the Interior. It is based in the capital, more precisely in Bouchoucha. This unit recruits its members directly from the national police. Intervening in the field only in extreme cases, their main mission is the intervention in Built-up areas and against hostage taking in tactical situations such as in airports.


  • Police officers stand outside the parliament in Tunis March 18, 2015. REUTERS/ Zoubeir Souissi

Other notable Forces on the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

This are other elite special forces in the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

  • Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Group (NAF QRF)
  • Kenyan Police General Service Unit (GSU)
  • Somalian Army Special Forces (Alpha Group)
  • Cameroonian Army Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR)
  • South African Police STP
  • Kenyan Navy Special Boat Unit (KSBU)
  • Ivory Coast Special Forces

About the Author

African Military Blog
The African defense information ecosystem is broken, African Military Blog intends to enact a paradigm shift through providing critical access to industry dataset, magazines, daily news, acquisitions and expert insights.

6 Comments on "Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019"

  2. Danooz | February 10, 2019 at 9:40 am | Reply

    Most of the photos posted under Kenya Army SOR are police special intervention units ie GSU Recce, AP BPU SF, and DCI QRT… Few pictures there belong to 30th and 40th groups

    • African Military Blog | February 11, 2019 at 11:30 pm | Reply

      Yes you’re quite correct. We are aware of the difference in both GSU Recce and the KA SOR However, the Kenyan Army SOR are apathetically camera shy as a result we couldn’t pull out a quality picture of them.

      Nonetheless, the uniform of the GSU Recce and the 40 RSF and 30S Special Forces are very similar and would take a practiced eye to spot them apart.

      Regards

  4. Motaz | February 24, 2019 at 6:47 pm | Reply

    hello regarding Tunisian Army Special forces thous pictures belong to the USGN i can provide with some pictures to the army unit
    and the 2nd picture in the BAT belong to the Presidential Guard

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### CSIR developing UAV gas turbine engine | African Military Blog

CSIR developing UAV gas turbine engine

TOPICS:
CSIR gas turbine engine

Posted By: Sarah Lesedi February 26, 2019

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is currently developing gas turbine engines for UAVs. The comapny began working on the project since 2016 and is close to conducting the first compressor test around March 2019.

The gas turbine engine would produce 100 kg thrust optimized for stand-off weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and gliders. The CSIR compressor design is highly scalable, and can be converted to larger bypass engine architectures.

The UAV gas turbine enginne is 250 mm in diameter and some 500 mm in length. Its maximum thrust will be around 110 kg and maximum RPM 60 000. Fuel consumption at idle will be .384 kg/minute and at max thrust 1.536 kg/minute.

To test the engine’s compressor capacity, CSIR is currently completing a test facility

READ ALSO:  AHRLAC fitted with Leonardo Osprey 30 multi-mode AESA radar

About the Author

Sarah Lesedi
Defense technological enthusiasts, African lover. Chief Chronicler at Sarah Lesedi blog.

Be the first to comment on "CSIR developing UAV gas turbine engine"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 | African Military Blog

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019

TOPICS:
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa
Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa

Posted By: African Military Blog January 31, 2019

Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019 can be said to be the most accomplished military unit with exceptional combat record, training, and equipment. The Special Force branch of a country is usually the tip of the spear, trained to conduct the most difficult and challenging aspect of military operations.

A country’s Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are ususally called upon to achieve a military objective in scenerious where conventional military units cannot realistically handle. employment of Special Forces even in tactical levels can affect the overall strategic outcome of a war.

The Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa are usually highly-trained, well-equipped, organized, reticent. In order to maintain their optimum combat performance, SF/SOFs are specially designated and they employ unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment. This years Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa would look at the very best Africa has to offer.

Historical Context of Special Forces in Africa

Special Forces, as they would come to be recognized, emerged in the early 20th century, with a significant growth in the field during the Second World War.

In 1940, the British Commandos were formed following Winston Churchill’s call for “specially trained troops of the hunter class, who can develop a reign of terror down the enemy coast.” A staff officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clarke, had already submitted such a proposal to General Sir John Dill, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Dill, aware of Churchill’s intentions, approved Clarke’s proposal and on 23 June 1940, the first Commando raid took place.

Role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces

The role of Special Forces and Special Operations Forces is predominantly dependent on the country, Special Forces and Special Operations Forces may perform a wide variety of duties and functions which consists of (but not limited to);

  • Unconventional/Asymmetrical warfare.
  • Airborne operations
  • Counter-insurgency and Counter-terrorism (COIN/CT)
  • Foreign and Internal defense
  • Covert operations
  • Direct action (alongside regular troops)
  • Hostage rescue
  • High-value targets kill/capture (HVTK/C)
  • Manhunt
  • Intelligence operations
  • Mobility operations
  • Sabotage and demolition

Special Forces in Africa

The Top 10 Best Special Force in Africa 2019 are:

1. Egyptian Army Unit 777

Role: Hostage Rescue, Assassination, Sabotage

Egyptian Army Unit 777

The Egyptian Army Unit 777 is also referred to as Task Force 777. The Unit 777 is primarily tasked to conduct Special operations and Counter Terrorism operations within Egypt and around its sphere of interest.

Unit 777 was established in 1978 following a disastrous Egyptian commando raid in Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus in response to the hijacking of a Cyprus Air passenger aircraft by terrorists from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). During the raid, Cyprus security forces mistaken the Egyptian Commandos for terrorists as they approached the tarmac and opened fire on them killing 15 members out of the 79 member commando team.

Subsequently, Unit 777 was later called into action after three armed terrorists from the Abd Al-Nasir Movement hijacked the EgyptAir Flight 321 heading to Luxor. After a brief negotiation with the terrorists, two Unit 777 operatives disguised as maintenance workers went inside the aircraft and neutralized the terrorists with no loss to the passengers. With such capabilities, the Unit 777 is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa .

Unit 777 is a division of the Sa’ka forces, an elite Egyptian military commando force. Unit 777 is currently engaged in anti-terror operations in the Sinai region. Its previous engagements includes:

  • Operation Badr (1973)
  • Shdwan Battle
  • Battle of Ismailia
  • EgyptAir Flight 321
  • Operation Sinai
  • Operation Martyr’s Right

2. South African Special Forces Brigade

Role: Direct action, Manhunt, Reconnaissance

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training
South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operatives during a training

South African Special Forces Brigade also known as the Recce, it specializing in long-range combat reconnaissance as well as unconventional airborne operations.

The South African Special Forces Brigade was formed from the then Hunter Group mainly for counter-insurgency operation within the South African Army. In 1970, the success of the South African Special Forces Brigade brought about five other reconnaissance units, later referred to as the “Recces”.

The South African Special Forces Brigade has undergone several broad restructuring. Presently, the South African Special Forces Brigade has the unique distiction of not being part of the South African Army or the South African Navy as is the practice in similar special forces structure worldwide, it is directly under the command of the Joint Operations Division.

South African Special Force Brigade (Recce) operator

The South African Special Forces selection process sometimes called ‘The Ultimate Challenge‘ is regarded as one of the most difficult special forces selection courses in the world

As matter of pride and bravery, the Recce always the first unit into any combat and the last one’s out of the conflict zone. As their motto rightly explains: WE FEAR NAUGHT BUT GOD

During the Border/Bush War, F Zeelie was the first person killed, while H. Carstens was also the last person killed in the Border/Bush War. Both operators were from the of the 1st Recce.

The Recce undertook several daring missions during the Bush War with Angola, some more prominent missions includes Operation Mebos, Operation Askari and the controversial Operation Argon. In Operation Askari, a few South African Special Forces soldiers entered Angola in order to disrupt the logistical support and command & control capabilities of PLAN. Operation Askari prevented a planned large-scale invasion of the SouthWestern Africa by the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).

More recently, An operator of the South African Special Forces made the 7th longest recorded sniper kill in history with a confirmed distance of 2,125 m (2,324 yd) using a South African-made 14.5 mm Denel NTW-20 anti-materiel rifle during operations as part of the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade. Which is why the SANDF Special Force Brigade is one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

SANDF Special Forces Organigram
SANDF Special Forces Organogram

The South African Special Forces Brigade (Recce) has taken part in various engagements which are;

  • South African Border War
  • Rhodesian Bush War
  • Angolan Civil War
  • Mozambican Civil War
  • Séléka rebellion
  • M23 rebellion
READ ALSO:  Next Generation weapons and tactics Africans should take note of (part 2)

3. Algerian Army Special Intervention Group

Role: Hostage rescue, Direct action, Counter Terrorism

Algerian Special Intervention Group
Algerian Special Intervention Group operator

The Algerian Special Intervention Group also known as the Groupe d’Intervention Spécial (GIS) in French has long been one of Africa’s most-feared special forces. Better known in Algeria as the ‘Ninjas.’ Mainly skilled in Counter-terrorism and Hostage Rescue.

They have a reputation for cold-blooded ruthlessness, often times killing both the terrorists and hostages in order to deter would-be terrorists from using hostages as a bargaining chip.

Since 1987, The Special Intervention Group (GIS) forces have been the bulwark between Algeria and rampaging violent Islamic militants. For many years, Algeria has been in a brutal tug-of-war with domestic Islamist extremists coupled with the ever troublesome border areas with neighbors including Libya and Mali, and also the fact that Algeria is actively supporting the Western Saharan independence movement the Polisario Front.

A controversial incident occurred on 16 January 2013 in a gas facility near In Amenas, Algeria. An Algerian gas field operated jointly by Sonatrach, an Algerian state-owned company, British firm BP and the Norwegian firm Statoil. The gas field supplies 10% of Algeria’s natural gas production, a vital asset to Algerian survival.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

al-Qaeda-linked terrorists affiliated with a brigade led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar attacked the oil installation, demanding an end to French military operations against Islamists in northern Mali, in return for the safety of the hostages. According to U.S. officials, in the over 800 hostages, 132 were foreign nationals including British, French, Japanese etc.

The terrorists tied explosive cords around some of the captives, after four days of gruesome waiting, in a daring attempt the Algerian Special Intervention Group -GIS raided the oil facility using helicopter gunships and heavy weapons, in an effort to free the hostages. As a result, 39 foreign hostages from nine different countries lost their lives however, a total of 685 Algerian workers and 107 foreigners were freed while 39 terrorist were killed. Three surviving terrorists were also apprehended, making the Algerian Special Intervention Group on of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

Algerian Special Intervention Group

During the siege, the Algerian communications minister, Mohamed Said Belaid, said that “The objective is clear: to destabilize Algeria.” and that the terrorists wanted “to destroy the national economy” and the state, he further announced that “there would be no negotiations or blackmail” and Algeria would be “relentless in the fight against terrorists“.

The rescue operation brought a bittersweet response from the international community. Several Western countries complained about Algeria’s failure to minimize casualties while some praised the decision by Algerian special forces to storm the site on time. According to Anouar Boukhars of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, that “Algerians are jealous of their sovereignty”, which fits with their general pattern of acting independently, and a policy of no negotiation with terrorists.

In retrospect, soldiers from the GIS are taught the fierce art of the Japanese Ju-Jitsu and the ancient Korean Kuk Sool Won art, but in a purely practical military aspect. The Algerian ancient training regime have been copied by various special operations forces globally. As a testament to their fighting art, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) recommended that the Algerian Special Intervention Group be used as a template by several European and African countries.

4. Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Role: Tactical operations, Hostage rescue, VIP protection

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS) operator

Definitely one of the most highly trained and well equipped Special Forces in the world. The Tunisian Army Special Forces Group is widely know for its use of the most sophisticated infantry weapons available globally. Their main mission is the protection of the Tunisian national territory and to deter any attempt of foreign aggression.

As a testament to their training, the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group have not failed in any assigned task and has contributed immensely in foiling terrorist attacks. They are also trained to handle heavy weapons, this unit as the whole army suffered from marginalization on the part of the old regime.

This mask wearing Tunisian Army Special Forces Group or Groupe des Forces Spéciales (GFS) in Spanish has been on the frontiers defending Tunisia from being overrun by terrorists. They are trained to defend the homeland and to intervene in a cold-blooded manner to protect human lives.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

Since the 2011 Arab-spring, Tunisia has been confronted by an ever-increasing terrorism and militant insurgency which has been responsible for the deaths of dozens of soldiers, police, civilians and foreign tourists.

Furthermore, Tunisia has been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked and killed 12 Presidential Intervention Group (a sister Special Operations Forces unit) in Tunis.

In March 2016, Islamic State, which has been taking advantage of the raging Libyan Civil War in the neighboring country to recruit soldiers and increase its strength, began a series of tactical offensive into the Tunisian town of Ben Guerdane.

Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)
Tunisian Army Special Forces Group (GFS)

During the attack, about 50 Islamic State militants launched a dawn attack on army and police posts, The Tunisian Defense Minister quickly deployed the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group which immediately counter-attacked and killed 36 of the attackers.

READ ALSO:  The Chinese AR-1 Missile Defeating Terrorism in Africa

After the successful operations, the Tunisian governments began considering air strikes and special forces operations against the group in neighboring Libya, confirming their the Tunisian Army Special Forces Group as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

5. Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS)

Role: Maritime security, Direct action, Hostage rescue


A Tavor wielding Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) soldier wearing a MARPAT (short for Marine pattern) digital camouflage pattern and skull balaclava

The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service is one of the best special forces units in Africa. This elite antiterrorism unit was created by the Nigerian Government in 2006. Highly qualified for the full-spectrum of all special Operations in any terrain or weather. They are considered the very best in this region.

The NNSBS was modeled after the celebrated British crack unit, the SBS. This little-known unit has been on the forefront of the fight against maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service has also been deployed in several internal security duties especially against the notorious Boko Haram sect and Niger Delta militants.

  • Nigerian special forces conduct a mock casualty evacuation (REUTERS/Emmanuel Braun)

In 2011, during a training in Senegal together with Army Amphibious Forces, US Marines and Senegalese Marines, the NNSBS were praised for their dexterity in small boat operations and littoral warfare which the Americans attributed to years of fighting militants in the Niger Delta creeks.

As a sign of their combat prowess, in August 2016 a distressed call was made to the Naval Regional Maritime Awareness Centre (RMAC) through the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), about a pirate hijack on a British-flagged vessel, ‘MT VECTIS OSPREY.’ Following the swift deployment of a naval patrol ship NNS NWAMBA to the scene, NNSBS operatives quickly engaged the pirates who were about boarding the vessel. Resulting in the rescue of all the crew members without any casualty, making the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS) as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

In 2017, during the ECOWAS military intervention in the Gambia, the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service were amongst the first units to enter the country, providing VIP protection for the Gambian Presidency.

The duties of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service includes Naval intelligence, Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency (CTCOIN), enforcing maritime security, anti-piracy, littoral operation and facilities/VIP protection.

The SBS operatives were actively involved in Operation PULO-SHIELD in Niger Delta, Operation SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State, Operation RESTORE ORDER in Kano State, Operation IRON FENCE 2 in Kogi State and Operation ZAMAN LAFIYA in the North East. The SBS elements are currently involved in Operation LAFIA DOLE in the North East and SAFE HAVEN in Plateau State. 

6. Tunisian National Guard Special Unit

Role: Hostage rescue, Counter-Terrorism, Direct action

Tunisian National Guard Special Force trooper

The Tunisian National Guard Special Unit, commonly abbreviated USGN or Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale in French is one of the most elite special forces unit and also one of the finest and most formidable special warfare combat unit in the North African and Middle-Eastern region.

Directly under the control of the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior, the USGN is officially based in Bir Bouregba. This unit recruits its members of the National Guard directly and train them independently.

The USGN specializes in special operations such as counter-terrorism, Hostage rescue, as well as reconnaissance and raid behind enemy lines. Their main mission is to intervention within Tunisian territory, especially in non-urban areas (mountains, forests, beaches, deserts). The USGN is structured on the model of American Navy Seals with which it has a sustained collaboration.

The unit serves as the Tunisian governments premier counter-terrorism unit, providing a tactical resolution in hostage and high-risk law enforcement situations. This rather small albeit highly specialized special operations force was established in the early 1980s, and is based in Hammamet.

In January 2018, Tunisian National Guard Special Unit killed a senior member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI) who was wanted by Algeria since 1993.

In more recent time, the USGN has been involved in several training missions outside the country, in cooperation with the United States Delta Force and other special forces from European countries.

In 1985, the USGN was invited to Austria by the Einsatzkommando-Cobra (EKO Cobra) to participate in international special force exercise, attended by several international elite forces like the EKO COBRA GSG-9, French GIGN and United States Delta force. The USGN came fourth all exercises and also ranked number one special force in Arab and Africa, as well as sixth in the world after the United States, Russia, Britain, France. This reinstates their position as one of Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

7. Nigerian Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF)

Role: Counter-Terrorism, Direct action, VIP protection

With a gung-ho attitude towards adversity, the Armed forces Special Forces (AFSF) are one of the most elite personnel in the entire Nigerian Armed Forces, they consist of personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force Regiment and the Department of State security personnel (DSS).


Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces Sniper Unit stand in their ghillie suits at the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) military demonstration held at General Ao Azazi barracks in Gwagwalada on April 17, 2018.

Trained in Nigerian Special Forces Training Institutions and also underwent CT/COIN training in Belarus, an Eastern European.

In 2017, 26 officers and 440 soldiers of the unit also underwent training in Pakistan, under the Special Services Group (SSG), the Pakistani Army’s SSG, famous in the international military community for their successful CT/COIN operations in Afghanistan and the northwest regions of Pakistan.

Over there, the AFSF troops trained at Tarbella, home of the SSG’s elite counter-terrorist unit, the Zararr Battalion. Since their commissioning, They are deployed to almost all troubled area in Northern Nigeria. Their duties are mainly Direct action alongside regular troops, HVT’s hunt and capture, Quick Response in tactical situation (QRF) and VIP protection.

READ ALSO:  Military Ranking in Africa 2019

The AFSF are kitted with the most advanced and exotic weaponry and gadget unlike regular infantry soldiers. They have consistently been on the war-front since 2016, battling the Boko Haram insurgent group as well as the various armed groups and bandits in the Sahara. The AFSF is clearly on the position of being the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

On account of their known doggedness and insistence on pursuing, even hunting the insurgents, Boko Haram commanders often issue warnings to their fighters to avoid engaging with the AFSF. Confirming their position as Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The AFSF, now with a reputation for being a scourge of Boko Haram, participated in the recapture of Bama, Baga, Damboa, Marte, Kangarwa and more. The AFSF commandos are “always leading the way”. In one operation, their vehicle was hit and disabled by a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but the AFSF Commandos simply jumped onto new vehicles and completed their mission.

8. Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR)

Role: Counter-Insurgency, Close Target Reconnaissance, Asymmetric Warfare

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR), is made up of the Rangers Strike Force identified as 40 RSF and Special Forces (SF) known as 30S. Both the Ranger Strike Force (RSF) and the Special Force (SF) were relatively unknown until their deployment to Somalia for Operation Linda Nchi was launched.

The Rangers Strike Force takes 63 days to train while the training for Special Forces lasts for six months. One of the major differences between the two is that Rangers are trained by Americans and the Special Forces by the British.

During a recent joint training with Jordan’s Quick Reaction Force, the Jordanians were surprised by the Kenyans’ superior skills.

The Kenyan Special Force (SF) has mostly been involved in reconnaissance and infiltration missions behind enemy lines while Rangers are being used as fighters strike force.


  • Military personnel mobilize on September 21, 2013 outside an upmarket shopping mall in Nairobi, where suspected terrorists engaged Kenyan security forces in a drawn out gun fight. AFP PHOTO / Tony KARUMBA/AFP/Getty Images

In the battle for Kismayu, code-named Operation Sledge Hammer, a team of Kenyan special forces, spearheaded the vanguard unit of an amphibious assault operation, quickly secured the landing zone and captured the port city with no casualty.

Their performance at the war front was so brilliant that President Mwai Kibaki, during the recent Jamhuri Day celebrations, and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, rewarded a number of the outstanding fighters with the Silver Star, one of Kenya’s highest awards. Making the Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment has been used very aggressively over the past five years. They have been actively engaged in Somalia the past several years. The SOR operators are highly trained, experts in special operations, and well-equipped. The Kenyan Army Special Operations Regiment (SOR) are without a doubt, one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

9. Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGR)

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group or the Groupe d’Intérvention de La Gendarmerie Royale (GIGR) in Spanish is an elite Special Force regiment within the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie, specially trained for special operations within Morocco.

This special force group is composed of several combat units including a Commando Group of the Guard, an airborne assault battalion, a mountain infantry battalion and a Rapid Intervention group (GIR) amongst others.

The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is a highly secretive group, in charge of maintaining public order. They are viewed as the main pillar in the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. The GIGR is undoubtedly one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

They spearhead most major military operations in Morocco and the environs, confirming its status as one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

During the 2017 Operation Flintlock held in Tifnit, Morocco, the US Military Information Support Operations (MISO) instructors were duly impressed with the quality of the Moroccan operators they have been tasked with training, commenting on their adaptability. The Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie Intervention Group is still one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

10. Tunisian Anti-Terrorism Brigade (BAT)

Role: SWAT, Hostage rescue, VIP Protection

Commonly called the ‘Black Tigers’ in Tunisia, this elite Special Operations unit is one of the best-trained and most formidable units a North Africa can boast of. Basically a Tunisian National SWAT, and one of the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

The BAT is the elite of the Tunisian National Police, under the Ministry of the Interior. It is based in the capital, more precisely in Bouchoucha. This unit recruits its members directly from the national police. Intervening in the field only in extreme cases, their main mission is the intervention in Built-up areas and against hostage taking in tactical situations such as in airports.


  • Police officers stand outside the parliament in Tunis March 18, 2015. REUTERS/ Zoubeir Souissi

Other notable Forces on the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

This are other elite special forces in the Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa.

  • Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Group (NAF QRF)
  • Kenyan Police General Service Unit (GSU)
  • Somalian Army Special Forces (Alpha Group)
  • Cameroonian Army Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR)
  • South African Police STP
  • Kenyan Navy Special Boat Unit (KSBU)
  • Ivory Coast Special Forces

About the Author

African Military Blog
The African defense information ecosystem is broken, African Military Blog intends to enact a paradigm shift through providing critical access to industry dataset, magazines, daily news, acquisitions and expert insights.

6 Comments on "Top 10 Best Special Forces in Africa 2019"

  2. Danooz | February 10, 2019 at 9:40 am | Reply

    Most of the photos posted under Kenya Army SOR are police special intervention units ie GSU Recce, AP BPU SF, and DCI QRT… Few pictures there belong to 30th and 40th groups

    • African Military Blog | February 11, 2019 at 11:30 pm | Reply

      Yes you’re quite correct. We are aware of the difference in both GSU Recce and the KA SOR However, the Kenyan Army SOR are apathetically camera shy as a result we couldn’t pull out a quality picture of them.

      Nonetheless, the uniform of the GSU Recce and the 40 RSF and 30S Special Forces are very similar and would take a practiced eye to spot them apart.

      Regards

  4. Motaz | February 24, 2019 at 6:47 pm | Reply

    hello regarding Tunisian Army Special forces thous pictures belong to the USGN i can provide with some pictures to the army unit
    and the 2nd picture in the BAT belong to the Presidential Guard

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Contact Us | African Military Blog

Contact Us

CONTACT US

Feel free to contact us and send your comments, ideas, suggestions and business proposals.
 
Regarding permission to use images from African Military blog’s website.
 
E-mail address: Africanmilitaryblog@gmail.com
Info@africanmilitaryblog.com
 
Twitter: @africanmilitary
Facebook.com/africanmilitaryblog
Instagram: african military blog

 
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]
#####EOF##### France to donate six 12 metre semi-rigid boats to the Libyan Navy | African Military Blog

France to donate six 12 metre semi-rigid boats to the Libyan Navy

TOPICS:

Posted By: Darek Liam February 25, 2019

The Libyan Navy will soon take delivery of six 12 metre semi-rigid boats from France. The six donated boats would be purchased from Silinger, a French-based shipbuilding company.

According to the French Ministry of Defense, the donation comes after a high-level meeting between Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj and French armed forces minister Florence Parly.

The semi-rigid boats which would be delivered in the second quarter of 2019 will be used by the Libyan Nay to conduct maritime security operations as well as combating illegal migration across the Mediterranean Sea.

The Libyan Navy is rebuilding its maritime capability after losing much of its equipment during the Libyan Civil War. Thus, in October 2018, Italy donated Corrubia-class (Fezzan) patrol boat to the Libyan Navy.

READ ALSO:  Libya receives Twelve donated patrol boats from Italy, 17 more expected

About the Author

Darek Liam
Darek Liam is the North African editor for AMB, where he writes about the intersection of Technology and national security. He has been covering defense and national security issues for more than a decade, previously as African Union correspondent.

Be the first to comment on "France to donate six 12 metre semi-rigid boats to the Libyan Navy"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Aerospace Archives | African Military Blog

Aerospace

#####EOF##### US to sell the A-29 Super Tucano to Nigeria.... Again!! | African Military Blog

US to sell the A-29 Super Tucano to Nigeria…. Again!!

TOPICS:

Posted By: E Lionel August 5, 2017

US to sell the A-29 Super Tucano to Nigeria

 

It appears that the United States Government has decided that the Nigerian Military should be allowed to acquire twelve (12) A-29 super Tucano which they have previously been barred from getting. Since 2014, the US Congress denied the Nigerian Air Force from successfully taking delivery of the Counter-Insurgent aircraft citing gross human right abuses from the Nigerian side despite many attempts. The United States, do not sell arms to countries with questionable human rights issues.
The Nigerian Air Force needs a credible counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft to combat the deadly ISIS-affiliated terror group plaquing the country for many years now. The deal worth over $593 million US dollars includes weapons, training, spares and long-term maintenance support.

 

The A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop aircraft developed by Brazilian firm Embraer, and its U.S. partner Sierra Nevada Corp is a light ground attack aircraft capable of carrying advanced ordnance for tracking, attacking, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The current Nigerian Air Force F-7N and Alpha jets ground attack platform is not efficient in dealing with highly mobile warfare which the insurgents excel at coupled with the lack of sophisticated electronics and weaponry found in modern aircraft. Other than fighting terrorists, it would be used to patrol the border and coastlines to combat smuggling and maritime crimes.
The Nigerian Air Force has recently just taken delivery of more than a dozen Super Mushshak trainer and is currently expecting delivery of three JF-17 Thunder fighter jets both from Pakistan.
READ ALSO:  Egyptian Armed Forces gets a new advanced 3D early warning surveillance radar

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

Be the first to comment on "US to sell the A-29 Super Tucano to Nigeria…. Again!!"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Angola to purchase air defense system worth $200 million from Belarus | African Military Blog

Angola to purchase air defense system worth $200 million from Belarus

TOPICS:
Angola to purchase air defense system worth $200 million from Belarus

Posted By: Sarah Lesedi February 14, 2019

According to the document signed by the President of Angola João Lawrence a month ago, Angola plans to buy air defense systems worth USD $200 million from Belarus.

This transaction is necessary in order to “guarantee the work and functioning of the air defense system of large cities and strategic economic facilities of the country”.

The Angolan government has provided in the budget for 2019 the allocation of 1.65 billion euros for the defense sector, which is equivalent to 5.16% of all public spending planned for this year.

A Belorussian T38 Stiletto missile system

Later he headed the political department of the Angolan Armed Forces. Tetrahedron was founded in 2001 and specialized in the repair of Soviet military equipment. Currently, the company focuses on the development and production of advanced electronic weapons systems, software and hardware used in the control systems of radar and electronic systems, as well as on the modernization of anti-aircraft missile systems. “Tetrahedron” owns several production buildings in Minsk with a total area of ​​more than 13 thousand square meters.

READ ALSO:  Mwari secures first launch customer, rolls off production line.

The company employs more than 400 employees, according to the company’s website. The backbone is military scientists, engineers of the highest qualification, who have experience of service in the Soviet army, work in scientific research institutes, on testing grounds, in institutes and academies.

The document also refers to an agreement between the Republic of Angola and the Development Bank of Belarus to finance the “purchase of equipment and other special-purpose goods” of the Angolan armed forces. The participants of the transaction are also the private Belarusian company Tetrahedr and the export insurer Beleximgarant.

Although, the contract has not yet been signed, everything is “ still in progress ”. He noted that transactions with African counterparties “may take a long time between an agreement and an agreement.” As for financing conditions, Belarus provides export crediting “not for the whole [voiced] amount”.

In August 2018 a Belarusian delegation visited Luanda, Angola, and discussed issues such as the creation of assembly lines, repair and maintenance of military equipment and anti-aircraft defences.

READ ALSO:  Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft now supports Operation Barkhane

The former Portuguese colony of Angola gained independence in 1974, but already in 1975 a civil war began in the country. The USSR and the USA became active participants. In the period 1975-1991. The Soviet Union supplied billions of dollars worth of military hardware to this African country.

About the Author

Sarah Lesedi
Defense technological enthusiasts, African lover. Chief Chronicler at Sarah Lesedi blog.

Be the first to comment on "Angola to purchase air defense system worth $200 million from Belarus"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Belarus has revealed Angola’s Su-30K. Two delivered. | African Military Blog

Belarus has revealed Angola’s Su-30K. Two delivered.

TOPICS:

Posted By: E Lionel September 29, 2017

Belarus has revealed Angola’s Su-30K.

Two Sukhoi Su-30K Super Flanker was discreetly shipped from the 558 Aviation Repair Plant in Belarus to the Angolan Air Force this week to fulfill it’s 12 units order.

The Deputy CEO of the company Aleksandr Vorobei,  told a Russian Media Outlet Sputniks

“So far, two [Su-30Ks have been delivered to Angola], there is a delivery schedule, and its fulfillment has been launched as for now. I think that the deliveries will be completed by early next year,”

READ ALSO:  Angolan Air Force to receive six more Sukhoi Su-30K Super Flanker from Russia.

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

Be the first to comment on "Belarus has revealed Angola’s Su-30K. Two delivered."

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### France to continue military co-operation with Cameroon despite human rights violation | African Military Blog

France to continue military co-operation with Cameroon despite human rights violation

TOPICS:

Posted By: E Lionel February 9, 2019

The French Government disclosed that it will continue its current military co-operation with Cameroon even after the United States withdrew some military assistance to Cameroon over allegations of human rights violations by its security forces.

French forces are currently in Africa fighting Islamic terrorism

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a daily briefing that “France is bound by a defence partnership agreement it conducts according to international standards.”

“In accordance with international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict, this co-operation is intended to help Cameroon’s defence and security forces combat terrorism, especially against Boko Haram in the north, while protecting people. This co-operation continues.”

Cameroon security forces which are currently fighting against the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists have been accused of committing human rights violations such as torture, crackdown on political opponents as well as making arbitrary arrests.

Authorities arrested opposition leader Maurice Kamto in January, accusing him of mobilising dissent against President Paul Biya, who has ruled the country since 1982.

READ ALSO:  Cameroonian Armed Forces has acquired the Tygra 4X4 - Light Armoured Personnel Carrier

Cameroon’s anglophone minority has been requesting greater autonomy since former territories held by the British and French were federated into one central African nation in 1961. These demands have become steadily more vocal since the 1980s.

In October 2017, peaceful protests – calling for the use of English in courts and classes – took a turn for the worse when security forces killed dozens of demonstrators and jailed hundreds more.

Cameroonian security forces have been accused of committing gross human right abuses

The Cameroonian government has denied allegations of systematic human rights violations by its security forces. It says it is open to dialogue but insists that the unity of Cameroon is “non-negotiable.”

A State Department official said the United States decision to terminate some military programmes and halt delivery of certain equipment was to push Cameroon to greater transparency in investigating credible allegations of gross violations of human rights security forces.

France has continually supported the Paul Biya regime by donating several military hardware to the Cameroonian Armed Forces as part of efforts aimed at combating the Boko Haram insurgent group.

READ ALSO:  Cameroon’s anglophone war, A rifle is the only way out

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

Be the first to comment on "France to continue military co-operation with Cameroon despite human rights violation"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Milkor unveils new 8x8 armored vehicle | African Military Blog

Milkor unveils new 8×8 armored vehicle

TOPICS:
Milkor unveils new 8x8 armored vehicle

Posted By: Sarah Lesedi February 18, 2019

South African defence company Milkor has unveiled a new 8×8 armored vehicle at the IDEX 2019 held in Abu Dhabi. Though still at the Computer Assisted Design (CAD) stage, the new 8×8 armored vehicle design is focused on the balance between the drivetrain and independent suspension.

According to Armand Bodenstein, senior marketing manager at Milkor, ‘The drivetrain is where we see we can stand apart,’ As an ITAR-free product, it will be able to support a variety of weapons such as a 12.7 mm machinegun, 35 mm cannon and 40 mm grenade launcher.

Milkor unveils new 8x8 armored vehicle

A scale model of the new 8×8 was displayed for the first time at IDEX 2019. more details is expected to be made on the upcoming AAD 2020.

In its long-term plan the company, Milkor is working on a new 6×6 armored vehicle whichdefense experts believe will see the company pitching against Paramount Group of South Africa with its family of Mbombe vehicles which have already had some export success.

READ ALSO:  Kenyan Air Force acquires AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter secretly.

Speaking on markets Bodenstein said that the company is looking to focus on growing and emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

Milkor gained popularity at last year’s Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2018 exhibition held in Pretoria, where it was one of the biggest exhibitors.

Meanwhile, the company has other development plans in the works with its unmanned systems, of which there are three in its portfolio. Bodenstein said that there are plans for weaponisation of the two larger UAVs, the MA 380 and the MA 80, with small guided bombs.

About the Author

Sarah Lesedi
Defense technological enthusiasts, African lover. Chief Chronicler at Sarah Lesedi blog.

Be the first to comment on "Milkor unveils new 8×8 armored vehicle"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Nigerian Air Force Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) confirmed | African Military Blog

Nigerian Air Force Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) confirmed

TOPICS:
Nigerian air force APKWS
The Advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) guidance kit transforms an unguided 2.75-inch (70 millimeter) rocket into a precision-guided rocket, giving warfighters a low-cost surgical strike capability. (BAE Systems)

Posted By: E Lionel February 9, 2019

As part of an order for 12 Super Tucano Counter-Insurgence (COIN) aircraft, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will also receive the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS).

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) confirmed on 6 February, that a USD225 million contract for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), was awarded to BAE Systems for all four branches of the US military, as well as the governments of the Netherlands and Nigeria.

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) as well as the GBU-58 Paveway II guided bombs are both options for the 12 Embraer EMB 314/A-29 Super Tucano light strike aircraft which was requested by Nigeria.

Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is a combat-proven, semi-active laser-guided 70 mm air-to-surface rocket system designed and manufactured by BAE Systems in collaboration with the US Government. The weapon system is currently deployed by the US military forces.

READ ALSO:  The Nigerian Air force secret purchase of 36D6 TIN SHIELD Air Defense Radar.

According to the manufacturer BAE Systems, the APKWS is approximately one-third the cost and one-third the weight of the current inventory of laser-guided weapons, has a lower yield more suitable for avoiding collateral damage. The munition takes only one-quarter of the time for it to be loaded and unloaded by weapons personnel.

The advanced, highly precise APKWS rocket system features a point-and-shoot design and requires no maintenance. It is capable of engaging stationary and moving enemy targets with greater flexibility, while offering superior survivability for the crew.

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

Be the first to comment on "Nigerian Air Force Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) confirmed"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Nigerian Army begins production of indigenous Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV) | African Military Blog

Nigerian Army begins production of indigenous Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV)

Nigerian Army locally made Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV)
Nigerian Army locally made Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV)

Posted By: E Lionel February 5, 2019

The Nigerian Army has begun series production of its indIgenous Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV) at the Nigerian Army Vehicles Manufacturing Company (NAVMC) at Rigachikun in Kaduna state.

The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai on 26 January formally commissioned the Nigerian Army Vehicles Manufacturing Company (NAVMC) and took a tour of the factory was carried out and took in the NAC-V (infantry patrol vehicle), B vehicle assembly plant, fitter machine plant, engine overhaul shop, engine test bay, fabrication, painting and spray shop and foundry and metalsmith shop.

The NAV-C facility has produced 50 IPV/NAC-V units in the last two months,and also refurbished some Otokar Cobra light armoured vehicles, a BTR recovery vehicle, and an MT-LB tracked carrier.

The IPV was displayed during the first Nigerian Army Research and Innovation Summit held in Abuja in February 2017, armed with 12.7 mm DsHK and 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns and reportedly weighs 650 kg.

READ ALSO:  Nigerian-made MRAP featured in AAD 2016

According to the COAS, the Nigerian Army had invested extensive research into developing the IPV to meet its requirements and that several had already been used in counter-insurgency operations in the northeast of the country.

Nigerian Army locally made Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV)

“The Armoured Fighting Vehicles and other tactical and logistics vehicles commissioned today will be deployed to support ongoing operations in the North East and other parts of Nigeria,” he said.

During the launch, Buratai said that the Nigerian Army will start exporting combat vehicles to other African countries around 2030 after meeting Nigerian Army requirements around 2025.

“Today marked an indelible milestone in the history of the Nigerian Army’s march towards self-reliance in the production and maintenance of armoured fighting vehicles and other classes of vehicles as over the years the Nigerian Army has relied on importation of such vehicles, thereby spending huge foreign exchange which in turn depletes capital allocations”, said the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NAVMC, Major General VO Ezugwu.

READ ALSO:  Top 10 Best Army In Africa 2019

To promote indigenous contractors and the local content policy of the Federal Government, the military vehicle manufacturing company will partner with some companies like ASD Motors Nigeria Ltd, Venture Force Limited, Innoson Motors, Machine Tool Company Osogbo and Peugeot Automobile Kaduna.

In recent time, The Nigerian military has acquired armoured vehicles from other domestic manufacturers such as the Proforce Ara (Thunder) Mine -Resistance and Protection (MRAP) vehicle produced in conjunction with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Nigerian Army locally made Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV)

Nigerian Army locally made Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV)

The Nigerian Army engineers Corp known to be innovative and creative in the face of overwhelming obstacle came up with the IPV to tackle the high-speed high-mobility engagement they usually encounter in the arid desert of the north eastern Nigeria. The IPV primary roles includes;

  1. Forward Battlefield Observation
  2. Rapid Response and engagement
  3. Reconnaissance behind enemy lines
  4. Fire support
  5. Enemy Pursuit in challenging terrains

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

1 Comment on "Nigerian Army begins production of indigenous Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV)"

  2. abdul | February 8, 2019 at 10:51 pm | Reply

    What took them so long. You bring good tidings Lionel. I hope they also develop a good sensory system as well its not all about big guns.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Flintlock 2019 Joint Military Exercise in Burkina Faso commence | African Military Blog

Flintlock 2019 Joint Military Exercise in Burkina Faso commence

flintlock 2019 logo

Posted By: E Lionel February 18, 2019

Flintlock is an annual, African-led, integrated military and law enforcement exercise that has strengthened key partner nation forces throughout North and West Africa as well as western Special Operations Forces since 2005. Flintlock is U.S. Africa Command’s premier and largest annual Special Operations Forces exercise.

Flintlock 2019 is U.S. Africa Command’s premier special operations forces exercise. The exercise strengthens security institutions, promotes multilateral sharing of information, and develops interoperability among the partner nations of the Trans-Sahara Counter-Terrorism Partnership. Approximately 1,500 personnel from more than 25 African and western nations are set to participate in this year’s exercise.

More than 2,000 service members from more than 30 African and western partner nations will participate in Flintlock 2019 at multiple locations in Burkina Faso and Mauritania from February 18 – March 1, 2019.

In 2019, Flintlock will be hosted by Burkina Faso with a key outstation in Mauritania. The exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, protect their borders, and provide security for their people. Additionally, the exercise bolsters partnerships between African and western nation Special Operations Forces and law enforcement agencies, increasing their ability to work together during ongoing multinational operations and in response to crises.

READ ALSO:  NAF Geospatial Intelligence Data Centre (GIDC) to enhance intelligence-driven CTCOIN Operations

Participating African nations include Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Chad, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia. Western partners include Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

FLINTLOCK 2019 PHOTO GALLERY

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

Be the first to comment on "Flintlock 2019 Joint Military Exercise in Burkina Faso commence"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Orders Six Armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Attack Helicopters | African Military Blog

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Orders Six Armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Attack Helicopters

TOPICS:

Posted By: Patrick Kenyette September 30, 2018

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has requested for the acquisition of six armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters from MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI). The contract which was awarded through the U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC) was issued against its 5-year, $1.4 billion light scout attack helicopter IDIQ contract and includes initial logistics support (ILS) for the aircraft, aircraft systems and ground support equipment.



Initial deliveries for the helicopters is expected to take place in April 2019, with all aircraft delivered prior to the August 2019 contract completion date.

According to Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc., he explained that MD Helicopters “look forward to delivering these MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters to the Kenya Defence Forces, enhancing their ability to provide close air support and over-watch for ground operations.”

“This aircraft will be an exceptional addition to the KDF fleet,” Tilton concludes. “It is effective, efficient, and a proven performer in combat operations. It is gratifying to see this iconic airframe rise, once again, to be the standard for light scout attack helicopter operations worldwide.”


The IDIQ Contract vehicle ensures an estimated quantity of up to 150 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior and/or MD 530G attack helicopters are available to U.S. and Partner Nation Military Forces. With the issuance of Delivery Order 2, MD Helicopters is currently under contract to deliver a total of 36 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters.

READ ALSO:  Nigerian Air Force orders six Leonardo AW109 helicopters

In addition to an advanced, all-glass cockpit and ballistic ally tolerant crash-worthy fuel system, Kenya’s MD 530F Cayuse Warrior fleet will be outfitted with the full complement of mission equipment standard to the Cayuse Warrior:

  • FN Herstal Weapons Management System
  • DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS)
  • DillonAero Fixed-Forward Sighting System
  • 62mm ballistic armor protection
  • FN Herstal .50 caliber HMP 400 Machine Gun Pods
  • M260 7-shot rocket pods

Kenyan Air Force New Acquisitions

This sale will significantly enhance the Kenyan Army’s modernization efforts, boost critical operations against al-Shabaab and support its African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM mission). Additionally, The MD 530F will replace Kenya’s aging MD500 fleet operated by the 50th Air Cavalry Battalion.

Recall that in May 13, 2017, Kenya Defence Force requested to purchase of 12 MD 530F helicopters from the United States, at a proposed cost of $253 million including weapons, ammunition and technical support.

In September, 2018 the Kenyan Air Force acquired four (or more) AS350 Ecureuil helicopters from UAE. Photos posted on Twitter shows four recently delivered AS350 Ecureuil (Fennec) helicopters.

READ ALSO:  K-8A Karakorum aircraft spotted in Angola Air Force markings

Additionally, Kenyan Air Force acquired AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter donated by Jordan, videos and photos appeared online showing Kenyan Air Force personnel examining and offloading an American made AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter.

Also, the Kenyan Air Force has decided to go for the new re-branded AT802L Longsword Counter Insurgency aircraft having scrapped the deal it had with IOMAX Air Tractor Archangel aircraft. Kenya Air Force will acquire the aircraft with the new wings says L3’s Vice President Pat Penland. He also said that his company is working round the clock to fulfill Kenya’s Order since the country ‘desperately’ needs it to combat Al Shabbab terrorists and the aircraft order will be fulfilled within months.

The Kenyan Air Force has also received about three C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft and an undisclosed number of AW139 utility helicopters from Leonardo Helicopters ordered by the government to boost its operational capabilities. This was revealed in a new report submitted to the parliamentary public accounts committee by the Kenyan Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich.

READ ALSO:  Kenyan Navy ship KNS Shujaa returns after refit

According to the report, the C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft were acquired for Sh20 billion (S$198 448 276) from an Italian aircraft manufacturer.

The MD 530F CAYUSE WARRIOR SCOUT ATTACK HELICOPTER

MD 530F Cayuse Warrior

The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Scout Attack Helicopter is an  evolution of the OH-6 Cayuse light observation helicopter, it MD 530F is fast, agile and has the  ability to operate with ease in confined spaces.

The Armed MD530F Light Scout Attack Helicopter delivers increased operational capabilities, greater mission versatility and superior performance in the execution of a broad range of mission profiles. 

ESTIMATED PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES

MAX GROSS WEIGHT: INT 3,300 LB
MAX GROSS WEIGHT: EXT 3,750 LB
USEFUL LOAD 2,159 LBS
HOVER-IN GROUND EFFECT 16,000 FT
HOVER-OUT GROUND EFFECT 14,400 FT
MAX CRUISE SPEED 135 KT
SERVICE CEILING 16,000 FT
RANGE 235 NM

About the Author

Patrick Kenyette
Freelance journalist and Photographer, and regular African Military Blog contributor

Be the first to comment on "Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Orders Six Armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior Attack Helicopters"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### U.S. handover Command and Control (C2) center to Niger | African Military Blog

U.S. handover Command and Control (C2) center to Niger

Posted By: E Lionel February 9, 2019

The United States has handed over a Planning and Operations Control center to the Niger army to help the African nation battle Boko Haram.

According to the U.S. Ambassador Eric Whitaker, said during the handover ceremony on Monday, February 4 that the planning and operations control center, worth $16.5 million (€14.4 million), is designed to help Niger forces synchronize its operations through improved communications, U.S.

Niger is currently a U.S. and French strategic partner in the fight against Islamist terrorism in Africa. Various terror groups allied with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb that operates along the borders with Libya, Mali and Nigeria.

The center known as a ‘Command & Control (C2) Node’ comprises of two tactical operations units equipped with sophisticated communications material.

Eric Whitaker announced that the C2 center would “streamline pertinent battlefield information to commanders, so that they can best employ their forces” explaining that the U.S. believes that these capabilities are critical to helping Niger defeat Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations.

READ ALSO:  South African ZACube-2 Nano satellite launched

The Niger Government has previously given permission to the U.S. to operate armed MQ-9 Reaper drone currently deployed to Niger’s Air Base 101 in Niamey in a long-term strategic partnership between the U.S. and Niger to combat violent extremism in the region.  There is also a drone base in Agadez that provides surveillance of Boko Haram

The U.S. has already provided Niger with Cessna C-208 surveillance planes, armored personnel vehicles and small craft known as mud boats, along with other equipment and training.

The US presence in Niger was revealed on October 4, 2017, when four US soldiers and five Nigerien troops were killed in an ambush by fighters affiliated with the Islamic State group.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/us-offers-niger-operations-centre-to-fight-boko-haram/

In the same vein, the United States also provided a new Command and Control (C2) center to the Chadian Military in order to enable it coordinate its defense activities.

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

Be the first to comment on "U.S. handover Command and Control (C2) center to Niger"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Events | African Military Blog

Events

We participate as a media partner in some international exhibitions, conferences and forums, such as

Such as 2017, SHIELDAFRICA 2019 will consist of two events.

Monday 21st of January: Plenary Conference dedicated to borders.
From Tuesday 22th (inauguration) to Thursday 24th of January: exhibition organised in the Police Academy facilities, also including exhibitor conferences.
The fifth ShieldAfrica exhibition is managed by a French-Ivorian team. It is sponsored by the Minister of the Interior and Security of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

SHIELDAFRICA 2019 ADDRESSES THE AFRICAN CONTINENT CHALLENGES
Ensuring Safe cities
Maximising use of space
Managing flows and resources
Fighting against cross-border terrorism
Securing fast-growing urbanization and economic activities
Preserving human wealth of the continent

ASEC Expo (or, the African Security Exhibition and Conference) is the continental reference event for the entire community of operators operating in the security and safety industry across the world. 

Organized every two years, ASEC Expo is, first and foremost, a platform for the exchange of ideas, know-how, experiences, tactics, information, and demonstrations centered on equipment and new technologies developed in support and follow-through of security policies.

For more information visit… http://asec-expo.africa/en/

#####EOF##### Joint Libyan and U.S. forces conduct airstrike against al-Qaida militants in Southern Libya | African Military Blog

Joint Libyan and U.S. forces conduct airstrike against al-Qaida militants in Southern Libya

TOPICS:

Posted By: Darek Liam February 16, 2019

Few weeks after French warplanes in Chad attacks Libyan rebels, and prevented rebel incursion into the country, Libya’s U.N.-backed government says that joint Libyan and U.S. forces have bombed alleged al-Qaida militants in a southern desert town.

Tripoli-based government spokesman Mohammed al-Salak said late Wednesday the bombing took place in the town of Ubari, about 950 kilometers, or 590 miles, south of the capital, Tripoli.

He said that “this joint work coincided with a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign Minister Mohamed Sayala at the Global Coalition to Defeat meeting last week” in Washington.

Al-Salak did not elaborate. The U.S. military’s Africa Command said it was not involved in the raid.

Islamic extremists expanded their reach in Libya after the country was plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

READ ALSO:  Azerbaijan, Nigeria seeks strategic partnership on defense, capacity building

About the Author

Darek Liam
Darek Liam is the North African editor for AMB, where he writes about the intersection of Technology and national security. He has been covering defense and national security issues for more than a decade, previously as African Union correspondent.

Be the first to comment on "Joint Libyan and U.S. forces conduct airstrike against al-Qaida militants in Southern Libya"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF##### Our Staff | African Military Blog

Our Staff

Our Staffs

Here’s a list of our team of Authors, Editors and Technical Assistants at African Military Blog. It is currently being compiled…

Ekene Lionel
ADMIN, WRITER 

Sabastian Frank
DEFENSE ANALYST

Tola Oluwale
TECHNICAL EXPERT 

James Boateng
DIGITAL MARKETING  CONSULTANT 

Jacobs Pierre
DEFENSE ANALYST

Martins Konning
WEAPONS ANALYST 

Joana Vincent 
GRAPHICS DESIGNER 

Timothy Chukwuike
MEDIA AND PUBLICITY 

Samuel Poe

NEWS STORY COORDINATOR 

…………………………………………………….

Every day our team brings you the latest stories from across the Africa but what we want to hear are the issues that matter to you.

We need your help! We invite you to join our team !!!
Have you seen or been involved in a news event?
Is something significant, bizarre or unusual happening where you live?
Have you got a story to tell or is there something you think we should follow up?
Are there topics you want to get the world talking about?
On what do you want to comment? Or do you want to find out what others are talking about?
How to share your stories, photo and videos with African Military Blog News?

Contact us on Twitter
Contact us at twitter.com/africanmilitary
We may use your tweets displaying your Twitter username on @africanmilitary output.

Contact us on Facebook
Contact us at facebook.com/africanmilitaryblog
We may use your posts displaying your facebook username (or alias) on @africanmilitaryblog output.

Email
Email your stories and comments to africanmilitaryblog@gmail.com

We aim to read all of your emails but due to the numbers we receive each day it is not always possible to reply to everyone individually.
Email your pictures, video or audio to us at africanmilitaryblog@gmail.com

In some cases your images or audio may be used on African military blog output.

If we use your material on our website we will publish your name as you provide it (unless you ask us not to) but we will never publish your email address.
Your contact details will never be published, without your consent.

#####EOF##### African Military Blog | Page 13 of 13 | Promoting African Defence and Security
#####EOF##### Azerbaijan, Nigeria seeks strategic partnership on defense, capacity building | African Military Blog

Azerbaijan, Nigeria seeks strategic partnership on defense, capacity building

TOPICS:

Posted By: E Lionel February 9, 2019

Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan – Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ramiz Tahirov has met with a delegation led by Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Commander of the Air Force Federal Republic of Nigeria.

During the visit, bots sides discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the air forces of Azerbaijan and Nigeria, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest such as a strategic partnership in capacity building and development of Nigeria’s military-industrial complex with a view to further boosting NAF’s operational effectiveness in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country.

The visit, which took place from 5 – 8 February 2019, was on the invitation of the Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Defence and Commander of the Azerbaijan Air Force (AzAF), Lieutenant General Ramiz Tahirov, who, along with other senior officers from AzAF, hosted the CAS and conducted him on a tour of facilities at the Gala Air Base and the Aviation Repair Factory located in Nasosna Air Base, where the AzAF carries out up to 4th Line Maintenance of aircraft in its inventory.

READ ALSO:  Nigeria's DICON to manufacture Beryl M762 assault rifles

One of the immediate benefits of the visit is the acceptance by the AzAF to provide simulator training slots for NAF pilots on the Mi-35M Helicopter and L-39ZA aircraft. The first set of NAF pilots are expected to commence their simulator training before the end of February 2019. 

The CAS was accompanied on the visit by the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Peter Uzezi, Chief of Logistics Headquarters NAF, AVM Aminu Yakubu, the Chief of Staff Air Training Command, Ayoola Jolasinmi, the Deputy Director of Training HQ NAF, Air Commodore Esen Efanga as well as Nigeria’s Defence Adviser to Islamabad, Brigadier General Nasiru Mukhtar.

The Nigerian delegation also visited the air base of the Air Force of Azerbaijan. The delegation were informed about the activities of the air base.

About the Author

E Lionel
Techy, Futurist.

Be the first to comment on "Azerbaijan, Nigeria seeks strategic partnership on defense, capacity building"

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

#####EOF#####